Cellulase-assisted release of secoisolariciresinol from extracts of flax (Linum usitatissimum) hulls and whole seeds

Extraction of secoisolariciresinol from seed hulls and whole seeds of flax was improved using an enzymatic step with cellulase R10 from Trichoderma reesei that allowed better yield as compared to β-glucosidase. The cellulase assisted extraction process was further optimised for different parameters such as duration and concentration of hydromethanolic extraction, duration of alkaline hydrolysis, pH, duration and incubation temperature as well as enzyme concentration. Best results were obtained using a method including the following successive steps: 16 h of 70% hydromethanolic extraction, 6 h of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide hydrolysis followed by a 6 h incubation with 1 unit ml⁻¹ of cellulase R10 in 0.1 M citrate–phosphate buffer pH 2.8 at 40 °C. Under these conditions, all forms of the main flax lignan were recovered as the aglycone form, i.e. secoisolariciresinol. Highest yields in secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) equivalent reached 7.72% of flaxseed hull (cv. Baladin) dry weight and 2.88% of whole seed (cv. Barbara) weight, thus allowing a significant improvement in comparison with published methods.     

Extraction yield of isoflavones from soybean cake as affected by solvent and supercritical carbon dioxide

Soybean cake has been shown to be a rich source of isoflavone and can be produced during processing of soybean oil as byproduct. The objectives of this study were to compare the extraction yield of isoflavone from soybean cake by solvent and supercritical carbon dioxide, and study the conversion of isoflavone glucosides to the biologically active aglycone by employing β-glucosidase. Results showed that with supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, a maximum yield of malonylglucoside and glucoside was generated at 60 °C and 350 bar, while a high level of acetylglucoside and aglycone was produced at 80 °C and 350 bar. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction resulted in a lower yield of total isoflavone than solvent extraction, but the former was more applicable to extraction of acetylglucoside and aglycone, and the latter to malonylglucoside and glucoside. A peak level of aglycone was attained from conversion of isoflavone glucoside by β-glucosidase at 55 °C, pH 5, concentration 50 U/ml and incubation time of 2 h.     

Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella on fresh-cut celery

Illnesses from Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella have been associated with the consumption of numerous produce items. Little is known about the effect of consumer handling practices on the fate of these pathogens on celery. The objective of this study was to determine pathogen behavior at different temperatures under different storage conditions. Commercial fresh-cut celery was inoculated at ca. 3 log CFU/g onto either freshly cut or outer uncut surfaces and stored in either sealed polyethylene bags or closed containers. Samples were enumerated following storage for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days when held at 4 °C or 12 °C, and after 0, 8, and 17 h, and 1, and 2 days when held at 22 °C. At 4 °C, all populations declined by 0.5–1.0 log CFU/g over 7 days. At 12 °C, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella populations did not change, while L. monocytogenes populations increased by ca. 0.5 log CFU/g over 7 days. At 22 °C, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes populations increased by ca. 1, 2, or 0.3 log CFU/g, respectively, with the majority of growth occurring during the first 17 h. On occasion, populations on cut surfaces were significantly higher than those on uncut surfaces. Results indicate that populations are reduced under refrigeration, but survive and may grow at elevated temperatures.     

The spoilage characteristics of Brochothrix thermosphacta and two psychrotolerant Enterobacteriacae in vacuum packed lamb and the comparison between high and low pH cuts

The spoilage potential of Brochothrix thermosphacta, Serratia proteamaculans and Rahnella aquatilis was investigated in vacuum packaged high (5.9 to 6.4) and low (5.4 to 5.8) pH lamb. Vacuum packaged fore shank (m. extensor carpi radialis) and striploins (m. longissimus dorsi) (n = 306) inoculated with ~ 100 CFU of individual bacteria were stored for twelve weeks at temperatures − 1.5, 0, 2 and 7 °C. Spoilage characteristics and bacterial numbers were recorded and analysed in comparison to un-inoculated control samples. All three bacterial species were shown to grow in vacuum packaged lamb of pH values between 5.4 and 6.4, when stored at chilled temperatures (− 1.5 to 7 °C) for up to 84 days. B. thermosphacta and S. proteamaculans caused spoilage to the meat under these conditions whilst R. aquatilis spoiled high pH meat at 7 °C. These results go against previous beef models stipulating that Brochothrix and Enterobacteriacae species cannot grow on or cause spoilage of low pH meat in the absence of oxygen.     

Lipoxygenase activity in walnuts and almonds

The objective of this experiment was to investigate lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in walnut or almond homogenates. Walnut or almond kernels were heated with hot air at 55 °C for 2 or 10 min, or 60 °C for 2 or 10 min. The homogenates of untreated or heat treated walnut kernels exhibited greater LOX activity than the homogenates of untreated or heat treated almond kernels. Short-time heat treatments of 55 °C for 2 min or greater reduce LOX activity, retard the development of oxidative rancidity, and extend the shelf-life of walnuts and almonds during distribution and storage. Short-time heat treatments of walnut or almond kernels designed to control insect pests for international trade did not promote rancidity when compared to untreated walnuts or almonds.     

Preparative separation of flavonoids in Adinandranitida leaves by high-speed counter-current chromatography and their effects on human epidermal carcinoma cancer cells

Preparative separation of camellianins A and B in Adinandra nitida leaves, which is a flavonoid-rich plant source with great practical prospects, was conducted by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with a solvent system composed of ethyl acetate–ethanol–water (5:1:5, v/v). Apigenin (their aglycone) was prepared by hydrolysing a water extract and recrystallising. The purity and identity of these flavonoids was confirmed by HPLC-ESI/MS, and ¹H and ¹³C NMR. These flavones were used in cultures of the A431 cell line. Their inhibitory effect was evaluated by using the MTT assay. The results showed that three flavones could significantly inhibit the growth of human epidermal carcinoma cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. After 48 h of treatment, IC₅₀ values of camellianin A, camellianin B and apigenin against A431 tumour cells were 9.09 μM, 12.5 μM, 21.0 μM, respectively.     

Evaluation and characterisation of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seed oil: Comparison with Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil

The physicochemical properties, fatty acid, tocopherol, thermal properties, ¹H NMR, FTIR and profiles of non-conventional oil extracted from Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seeds were evaluated and compared with conventional sunflower seed oil. In addition, the antioxidant properties of C. colocynthis seed oil were also evaluated. The oil content of the C. colocynthis seeds was 23.16%. The main fatty acids in the oil were linoleic acid (66.73%) followed by oleic acid (14.78%), palmitic acid (9.74%), and stearic acid (7.37%). The tocopherol content was 121.85 mg/100 g with γ-tocopherol as the major one (95.49%). The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the oil was thermally stable up to 286.57 °C, and then began to decompose in four stages namely at 377.4 °C, 408.4 °C, 434.9 °C and 559.2 °C. The present study showed that this non-conventional C. colocynthis seed oil can be used for food and non-food applications to supplement or replace some of the conventional oils.     

Chia seeds: Microstructure, mucilage extraction and hydration

Microstructural features of the chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The study reports the effect of temperature (4-80 °C), pH (4-8) and seed:water ratio (1:20 and 1:40) on extraction of the mucilage of chia seeds and the effect of temperature (20-80 °C), pH (3-9) and ionic strength (0-1%) on hydration of the extracted mucilage. The mucilage was localized in cellular structures in the first three layers of the seed coat and upon full hydration filaments (mucilage fibers) became apparent and conformed to a transparent “capsule” attached to the seed. During extraction, temperature and seed:water ratio were found to have a significant effect on yield. Hydration of the extracted mucilage was significantly increased at high pH values, and was higher when salt concentration decreased, being maximal when the temperature reached values close to 80 °C.     

Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction of Hibiscus cannabinus L. seed oil: A potential solvent-free and high antioxidative edible oil

The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) trends and antioxidant activities of Hibiscus cannabinus seed oils were studied. SFE results indicate that extraction pressure is the major factor determining the oil yield. In comparison, classic Soxhlet extraction (SOX/L) yielded higher oil content than SFE (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in oil content were observed in SFE at 600 bars/80 °C, rapid Soxhlet extraction (SOX/S) and conventional ultra-sonic assisted solvent extraction (SONIC) (P > 0.05). Antioxidant activities of H. cannabinus seed oils were compared with 7 types of commercial edible oils. DPPH scavenging activity test indicated that H. cannabinus seed oil extracted by SFE at 200 bars/80 °C possessed the highest antiradical activity whereas beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay revealed that all H. cannabinus seed oils (except for SFE at 400 bars/80 °C and 600 bars/80 °C) exhibited higher antioxidant activity than all commercial edible oils (P < 0.05). Thus, SFE – H. cannabinus seed oil may serve as an excellent source of solvent-free edible oil with high antioxidant properties.     

Free-radical scavenging and antioxidative activities of some polysaccharides in emulsions

The antioxidant activity in linoleate emulsion systems, radical scavenging activity and inhibition of autoxidation in sunflower oil-in-water emulsions were studied in the presence of polysaccharide produced by Rhizobium meliloti (RPS), xanthan, curdlan, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and compared to tertiary butylhydroxyquinone (TBHQ). The antioxidant activity in the linoleate emulsion was improved with increasing pH from 3 to 9 and concentration of polysaccharide from 20 to 60 mg/100 g emulsion, while it decreased with increase in storage temperature between 30 and 90 °C. The antioxidant activity of xanthan, curdlan, and RPS at concentration of 40 mg/100 g emulsion was equal to that of TBHQ at 20 mg/100 g emulsion. RPS showed the highest thermal stability and the lowest linoleic oxidation values compared to TBHQ, xanthan, and curdlan at 90 °C. The antioxidant activity of xanthan, curdlan, and RPS in linoleate emulsions at pH 3 and 5 was in the first order with significant (P<0.05) values compared to emulsion, prepared using TBHQ.Curdlan and RPS were effective in radical scavenging being 60-90% at pH values ranging between 3 and 7. They showed an ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in sunflower oil emulsions during holding time for 50 h at 60 °C. In general, the polysaccharides RPS and curdlan can be used as food additives having many functions as stabilizers, radical scavengers, and antioxidants in emulsified foods such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and cake products.     

Optimisation of the extraction and processing conditions of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) for incorporation into a beverage

The total phenols, apigenin 7-glucoside, turbidity and colour of extracts from dried chamomile flowers were studied with a view to develop chamomile extracts with potential anti-inflammatory properties for incorporation into beverages. The extraction of all constituents followed pseudo first-order kinetics. In general, the rate constant (k) increased as the temperature increased from 57 to 100 °C. The turbidity only increased significantly between 90 and 100 °C. Therefore, aqueous chamomile extracts had maximum total phenol concentration and minimum turbidity when extracted at 90 °C for 20 min. The effect of drying conditions on chamomile extracted using these conditions was determined. A significant reduction in phenol concentration, from 19.7 ± 0.5 mg/g GAE in fresh chamomile to 13 ± 1 mg/g GAE, was found only in the plant material oven-dried at 80 °C (p ? 0.05). The biggest colour change was between fresh chamomile and that oven-dried at 80 °C, followed by samples air-dried. There was no significant difference in colour of material freeze-dried and oven-dried at 40 °C.     

Effects of light,temperature and water activity on the kinetics of lipoxidation in almond-based products

Lipoxidation in almond-derived products was investigated using the chemiluminescence (CL) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) methods to detect the first and later reaction products, respectively. The effects of light during storage at 5 °C, 22 °C and 40 °C were studied, as well as the effects of combined heat/water activity treatments in the 60–120 °C and 0.38–0.72 range. During storage, light was found to enhance the CL and TBARS values, and specific responses were observed in almond paste and the final Calisson product. During the heating of almond paste, as the initial water activity (a_w) increased, the CL rate constants increased during heating to 60 °C and 80 °C, but interestingly, these values decreased during further heating to 120 °C, whereas the maximum TBARS rate constants occurred at a_w 0.57 at all the heating temperatures tested. The activation energies, based on the CL and TBARS values, decreased specifically when the a_w increased from 0.38 to 0.72, giving overall values ranging from110 kJ mol⁻¹ to 60 kJ mol⁻¹. Likewise, in the same water activity range, the temperature-dependent rate constant enhancing factor (Q₁₀) decreased from 3.3 to 1.6.     

Strategy to inactivate Clostridium perfringens spores in meat products

The current study aimed to develop an inactivation strategy for Clostridium perfringens spores in meat through a combination of spore activation at low pressure (100–200 MPa, 7 min) and elevated temperature (80 °C, 10 min); spore germination at high temperatures (55, 60 or 65 °C); and inactivation of germinated spores with elevated temperatures (80 and 90 °C, 10 and 20 min) and high pressure (586 MPa, at 23 and 73 °C, 10 min). Low pressures (100–200 MPa) were insufficient to efficiently activate C. perfringens spores for germination. However, C. perfringens spores were efficiently activated with elevated temperature (80 °C, 10 min), and germinated at temperatures lethal for vegetative cells (≥55 °C) when incubated for 60 min with a mixture of l-asparagine and KCl (AK) in phosphate buffer (pH 7) and in poultry meat. Inactivation of spores (∼4 decimal reduction) in meat by elevated temperatures (80–90 °C for 20 min) required a long germination period (55 °C for 60 min). However, similar inactivation level was reached with shorter germination period (55 °C for 15 min) when spore contaminated-meat was treated with pressure-assisted thermal processing (568 MPa, 73 °C, 10 min). Therefore, the most efficient strategy to inactivate C. perfringens spores in poultry meat containing 50 mM AK consisted: (i) a primary heat treatment (80 °C, 10 min) to pasteurize and denature the meat proteins and to activate C. perfringens spores for germination; (ii) cooling of the product to 55 °C in about 20 min and further incubation at 55 °C for about 15 min for spore germination; and (iii) inactivation of germinated spores by pressure-assisted thermal processing (586 MPa at 73 °C for 10 min). Collectively, this study demonstrates the feasibility of an alternative and novel strategy to inactivate C. perfringens spores in meat products formulated with germinants specific for C. perfringens.     

Bacteriocinogenic Lactobacillus plantarum ST16Pa isolated from papaya (Carica papaya) — From isolation to application: Characterization of a bacteriocin

Strain ST16PA, isolated from papaya was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on biochemical tests, PCR with species-specific primers and 16S rDNA sequencing. L. plantarum ST16PA produces a 6.5 kDa bacteriocin, active against different species from genera Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus and different serotypes of Listeria spp. The peptide is inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, but not when treated with ??-amylase, catalase, lipase, Triton X-100, SDS, Tween 20, Tween 80, urea, NaCl and EDTA. However, presence of 1% Triton X-114 deactivates the bacteriocin. No change in activity was recorded after 2 h at pH values between 2.0 and 12.0, and after treatment at 100 °C for 120 min or 121 °C for 20 min. The mode of activity against Lactobacillus sakei ATCC 15521, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19443 and Listeria innocua 2030C was bactericidal, resulting in cell lysis and enzyme-leakage. No significant differences in cell growth and bacteriocin production were observed when strain ST16Pa was cultured in MRS broth at 26 °C and 30 °C for 24 h (25 600 AU/ml). However, even though strain ST16PA grows well in MRS broth at 15 °C and 37 °C, a reduction of bacteriocin production was observed (400 AU/ml and 1600 AU/ml, respectively). In addition, effect of MRS medium components, different initial pH and additions of glycerol or vitamins to the media on bacteriocin ST16Pa production was studied.Peptide ST16PA adsorbs (400 AU/ml) to producer cells. However, bacteriocin ST16Pa was adsorbed at 50% to cells of L. innocua 2030C and at 75% to L. sakei ATCC 15521 and E. faecalis ATCC 19433 when experiments were conducted at 30 °C and pH 6.5. Adsorption of bacteriocin ST16Pa to target cells at different temperatures, pH and in presence of potassium sorbate, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, ascorbic acid, Tween 80 and Tween 20 were also studied. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on detection of L. plantarum in papaya.     

Isolation of Alicyclobacillus and the influence of different growth parameters

Alicyclobacillus species are thermo-acidophilic, endospore-forming bacteria that are able to survive pasteurisation and have been implicated in a number of spoilage incidents involving acidic foods and beverages. The aim of this study was to compare three isolation methods used for the detection of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and to investigate the influence of incubation temperature on the growth of A. acidoterrestris and A. acidocaldarius. Peach juice samples inoculated with A. acidoterrestris K47 were analysed using either the International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers (IFU) Method No. 12 (Method A), which involved spread plating onto Bacillus acidoterrestris (BAT) agar at pH 4.0; Method B, which involved pour plating using potato dextrose agar (PDA) at pH 3.7; or Method C, which made use of membrane filtration followed by incubation on K agar at pH 3.7. The performance of the three methods differed significantly, with the IFU Method No. 12 recovering the highest percentage of cells at 75.97%, followed by Method B at 66.79% and Method C at 3.43%. These findings strengthen the proposal of the IFU for the use of the IFU Method No. 12 as a standard international method for the detection of Alicyclobacillus. To investigate the effect on growth of different incubation temperatures A. acidoterrestris (three strains) and A. acidocaldarius (two strains) were incubated at either 45 °C or 25 °C. Growth at 25 °C was slower and maximum cell concentrations were lower (1 × 10⁵-10⁶ cfu/mL compared to 1 × 10⁷-10⁸ cfu/mL) than at 45 °C for A. acidoterrestris. A. acidocaldarius was unable to grow at 25 °C and cell concentrations decreased by 1-2 logs. Since a growth temperature of 25 °C could not inhibit growth of A. acidoterrestris, cooling to room temperature (20°-25 °C) is not an effective control measure for A. acidoterrestris inhibition.     

Antioxidant properties of various solvent extracts of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves

The antioxidant properties and total phenolic contents of methanol, acetone and water extracts of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves were examined. Various experimental models including iron (III) reducing capacity, total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and in vitro inhibition of ferrous sulphate-induced oxidation of lipid system were used for characterization of antioxidant activity of extracts. The three extracts showed varying degrees of efficacy in each assay in a dose-dependent manner. Methanolic extract with the highest amount of total phenolics, was the most potent antioxidant in all the assays used. In addition, the effect of temperature (50 °C and 100 °C), pH (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) and storage (5 °C) on the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract was investigated. The antioxidant activity of the extract remained unchanged at 50 °C and was maximum at neutral pH. The extract stored at 5 °C in the dark was stable for 30 days after which the antioxidant activity decreased (p ? 0.05) gradually. On the basis of the results obtained, mulberry leaves were found to serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their marked antioxidant activity.     

Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in pineapple, grape and cranberry juices under pulsed and continuous thermo-sonication treatments

Pineapple, grape and cranberry juice were thermo-sonicated (24 kHz, 400 W, 120 μm) at 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C during 10 min at continuous and pulsed mode. Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tested from 0 to 10 min; color and pH were measured. Survivor’s curves were fitted with Weibull distribution, four parameter model and modified Gompertz equation. The acoustic energy (AE) was also calculated. S. cerevisiae was inactivated in the treatments at 60 °C, with the continuous mode being more effective. Grape juice showed total inactivation (7-log) after 10 min. Results showed that pH and color changed significantly (p < 0.05); ultrasound may promote chemical reactions and extract some components. The modified Gompertz equation showed the best fit. Energy analysis showed that pineapple juice (4287.02 mW/ml) required a higher amount of energy; grape juice showed the lowest value (3112.13 mW/ml). Ultrasound represents a viable option for juice pasteurization.     

Influence of brine concentration and temperature on composition, microstructure, and yield of feta cheese

The protein matrix of cheese undergoes changes immediately following cheesemaking in response to salting and cooling. Normally, such changes are limited by the amount of water entrapped in the cheese at the time of block formation but for brined cheeses such as feta cheese brine acts as a reservoir of additional water. Our objective was to determine the extent to which the protein matrix of cheese expands or contracts as a function of salt concentration and temperature, and whether such changes are reversible. Blocks of feta cheese made with overnight fermentation at 20 and 31°C yielded cheese of pH 4.92 and pH 4.83 with 50.8 and 48.9 g/100 g of moisture, respectively. These cheeses were then cut into 100-g pieces and placed in plastic bags containing 100 g of whey brine solutions of 6.5, 8.0, and 9.5% salt, and stored at 3, 6, 10, and 22°C for 10 d. After brining, cheese and whey were reweighed, whey volume measured, and cheese salt, moisture, and pH determined. A second set of cheeses were similarly placed in brine (n = 9) and stored for 10 d at 3°C, followed by 10 d at 22°C, followed by 10 d at 3°C, or the complementary treatments starting at 22°C. Cheese weight and whey volume (n = 3) were measured at 10, 20, and 30 d of brining. Cheese structure was examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Brining temperature had the greatest influence on cheese composition (except for salt content), cheese weight, and cheese volume. Salt-in-moisture content of the cheeses approached expected levels based on brine concentration and ratio of brine to cheese (i.e., 4.6, 5.7 and 6.7%). Brining at 3°C increased cheese moisture, especially for cheese with an initial pH of 4.92, producing cheese with moisture up to 58 g/100 g. Cheese weight increased after brining at 3, 6, or 10°C. Cold storage also prevented further fermentation and the pH remained constant, whereas at 22°C the pH dropped as low as pH 4.1. At 3°C, the cheese matrix expanded (20 to 30%), whereas at 22°C there was a contraction and a 13 to 18 g/100 g loss in weight. Expansion of the protein matrix at 3°C was reversed by changing to 22°C. However, contraction of the protein matrix was not reversed by changing to 3°C, and the cheese volume remained less than what it was initially.     

Development and validation of a duplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of celery and white mustard in food

The developed duplex real-time PCR method allows the simultaneous detection of traces of potentially allergenic white mustard (Sinapis alba) and celery roots (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), celery stalks (A. g. var. dulce) and leaf celery (A. g. var. secalinum). The duplex assay does not show any cross-reactivity with 64 different biological species, including various members of the Brassicaceae and Apiaceae family. In raw model sausages spiked with white mustard and celery roots, the LOD was found to be 0.001% white mustard and 0.005% celery. In model sausages brewed at 75–78 °C for 15 min the LOD was found to be 0.005% white mustard and 0.005% celery. The duplex real-time PCR assay was applied to check if commercial food products are labelled in compliance with the legal regulations.     

Sucrose monolaurate improves the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite against Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach

It is well-recognized that chlorine has limited efficacy when applied to inactivate pathogens on fresh produce. One of the many factors limiting efficacy is the high interfacial tension of chlorine-based sanitizers that limits the access of chlorine to the microorganisms. In this work, we investigated the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (200 ppm, pH 6.0) at 4 and 20 °C against Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on baby spinach leaves as affected by the surfactant sucrose monolaurate (SML) at below (100 ppm), above (250 ppm), and well above (10,000 ppm) the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of ~ 200 ppm at 20 °C. The surfactant-containing chlorine treatments were compared to those with buffer only, surfactant only, and chlorine only. Significantly improved inactivation, as evidenced by survival of E. coli O157:H7 was achieved when 250 or 10,000 ppm SML was added with chlorine. This is attributed to the reduction of interfacial tension between the sanitizing solutions and spinach surface. Treatments at 20 °C resulted in greater mean inactivation than those at 4 °C but the difference was not significant. Comparisons of SML concentrations in treatment solutions before and after sanitization showed that SML decreased more at a lower temperature and when chlorine was present, resulting from adsorption of SML onto spinach matrix. Our work illustrates the importance of using surfactants at concentrations above the CMC to enhance the efficacy of chlorine sanitization.