The growth of Propionibacterium cyclohexanicum in fruit juices and its survival following elevated temperature treatments

This study investigated the growth of Propionibacterium cyclohexanicum in orange juice over a temperature range from 4 to 40 degrees C and its ability to multiply in tomato, grapefruit, apple, pineapple and cranberry juices at 30 and 35 degrees C. Survival after 10 min exposure to 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90 and 95 degrees C in culture medium and in orange juice was also assessed. In orange juice the organism was able to multiply by 2 logs at temperatures from 4 to 35 degrees C and survived for up to 52 days. However, at 40 degrees C viable counts were reduced after 6 days and no viable cells isolated after 17 days. The optimum growth temperature in orange juice over 6 days was 25 degrees C but over 4 days it was 35 degrees C. The growth of P. cyclohexanicum was monitored in tomato, grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple and apple juices at 30 and 35 degrees C over 29 days. Cranberry, grapefruit and apple juice did not support the growth of P. cyclohexanicum. At 30 degrees C no viable cells were detected after 8 days in cranberry juice or after 22 days in grapefruit juice while at 35 degrees C no viable cells were detected after 5 and 15 days, respectively. However, in apple juice, although a 5 log reduction occurred, viable cells could be detected after 29 days. P. cyclohexanicum was able to multiply in both tomato and pineapple juices. In tomato juice, there was a 2 log increase in viable counts after 8 days at 30 degrees C but no increase at 35 degrees C, while in pineapple juice there was a 1 log increase in numbers over 29 days with no significant difference between numbers of viable cells present at 30 and 35 degrees C. The organism survived at 50 degrees C for 10 min in culture medium without a significant loss of viability while similar treatment at 60, 70 and 80 degrees C resulted in approximately a 3-4 log reduction, with no viable cells detected after treatment at 85 or 90 or 95 degrees C but, when pre-treated at intermediate temperatures before exposure to higher temperatures, some cells survived. However, in orange juice a proportion of cells survived at 95 degrees C for 10 min without pre-treatment and there was no significant difference between numbers surviving with and without pre-treatment. The results from this study demonstrate that P. cyclohexanicum is able to grow in a number of juices, other than orange juice, and able to survive a number of high temperature procedures. Therefore, if initially present in the raw materials P. cyclohexanicum might survive the pasteurization procedures used in the fruit juice industry, contaminate and consequently spoil the final product.     

Effect of low-temperature, high-pressure treatment on the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in unpasteurized fruit juices

The destructive effect of high pressure (615 MPa) combined with low temperature (15 degrees C) on various strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and various serovars of Salmonella in grapefruit, orange, apple, and carrot juices was investigated. The three-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 (SEA13B88, ATCC 43895, and 932) was found to be most sensitive in grapefruit juice (8.34-log reduction) and least in apple juice (0.41-log reductions) when pressurized at 615 MPa for 2 min at 15 degrees C. Correspondingly, no injured survivor was detected in grapefruit and carrot juices under similar treatment conditions. No Salmonella spp. were detected in a 2-min pressure treatment (615 MPa, 15 degrees C) of grapefruit and orange fruit juices. Except for Enteritidis, all four serovars tested in the present study have viability loss of between 3.92- and 5.07-log reductions when pressurized in apple juice at 615 MPa for 2 min at 15 degrees C. No injured cells were recovered from grapefruit and orange juices, whereas the same treatment demonstrated reduction in numbers of Salmonella serovars Agona and Muenchen in apple juices and to a lesser extent with Typhimurium, Agona, and Muenchen in carrot juice. The present study demonstrated that low-temperature, high-pressure treatment has the potential to inactivate E. coli O157:H7 strains and different Salmonella spp. in different fruit juices.     

Stability of enterocin AS-48 in fruit and vegetable juices

Enterocin AS-48 is a candidate bacteriocin for food biopreservation. Before addressing application of AS-48 to vegetable-based foods, the interaction between AS-48 and vegetable food components and the stability of AS-48 were studied. Enterocin AS-48 had variable interactions with fruit and vegetable juices, with complete, partial, or negligible loss of activity. For some juices, loss of activity was ameliorated by increasing the bacteriocin concentration, diluting the juice, or applying a heat pretreatment. In juices obtained from cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, green beans, celery, and avocado, AS-48 was very stable for the first 24 to 48 h of storage under refrigeration, and decay of activity was markedly influenced by storage temperature. In fresh-made fruit juices (orange, apple, grapefruit, pear, pineapple, and kiwi) and juice mixtures, AS-48 was very stable for at least 15 days at 4 degrees C, and bacteriocin activity was still detectable after 30 days of storage. Gradual and variable loss of activity occurred in juices stored at 15 and 28 degrees C; inactivation was faster at higher temperatures. In commercial fruit juices (orange, apple, peach, and pineapple) stored at 4 degrees C, the bacteriocin was completely stable for up to 120 days, and over 60% of initial activity was still present in juices stored at 15 degrees C for the same period. Commercial fruit juices stored at 28 degrees C for 120 days retained between 31.5% (apple) and 67.71% (peach) of their initial bacteriocin activity. Solutions of AS-48 in sterile distilled water were stable (120 days at 4 to 28 degrees C). Limited loss of activity was observed after mixing AS-48 with some food-grade dyes and thickening agents. Enterocin AS-48 added to lettuce juice incubated at 15 degrees C reduced viable counts of Listeria monocytogenes CECT 4032 and Bacillus cereus LWL1 to below detection limits and markedly reduced viable counts of Staphylococcus aureus CECT 976.     

Use of a multivariate approach to assess the incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp. in concentrate fruit juices marketed in Argentina: results of a 14-year survey

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp. in fruit/vegetable juices (concentrated pulps and clarified and non-clarified juices) marketed in Argentina between 1996 and 2009.The presence of Alicyclobacillus was determined in a total of 8556 samples of fruit and vegetable juices (apple, pear, grape, peach, blend of juices, tangerine, pineapple, orange, mango, plum, guava, apricot, lemon, banana, kiwi, carrot, strawberry, grapefruit, and beetroot) collected in seven Argentinean provinces. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) was carried out on a data matrix that contained the percentage of positive samples, type of juice, raw material and production year.Except for kiwi and orange, Alicyclobacillus was found in juices from all the evaluated raw materials. The highest percentage of positive samples was found for beetroot, strawberry, banana, peach, mango, carrot and plum juices. The percentage of positive samples for these juices ranged from 100% to 24%.Furthermore, the application of multivariate techniques provided an insight on the relationship between the incidence of Alicyclobacillus and production variables. This approach enabled the identification of the most relevant variables that increased the percentage of positive samples among the juices, which could help in developing strategies to avoid the incidence of this bacterium.By means of hierarchical cluster analysis seven groups (clusters) of juices which showed different percentages of positive samples for Alicyclobacillus spp. were identified. This analysis showed that pineapple, peach, strawberry, mango and beetroot juices had higher rates of positivity for Alicyclobacillus than the rest of the evaluated juices. MFA analysis also showed that some clear relationships could be highlighted between the percentage of samples positive for Alicyclobacillus and five types of fruit juices (strawberry, beetroot, grapefruit, pineapple and mango). It was observed that a large proportion of juices produced in 2000, 2005 and 2008 were located in clusters with higher incidence of Alicyclobacillus spp., whereas a larger proportion of clarified concentrate juice and concentrate pulp samples showed higher probability of incidence of Alicyclobacillus in these products. Data presented in this study brings a contribution to the ecology of Alicyclobacillus in fruit/vegetable juices marketed in Argentina. This information would be useful to enhance the microbiological stability of fruit juices regarding the presence of Alicyclobacillus spp.     

Analysis of sterols: a novel approach for detecting juices of pineapple,passionfruit, orange and grapefruit in compounded beverages

Direct GC/MS analysis of the hexane extracts of fruit juices provides an efficient means for demonstrating that very different sterol patterns exist in the juices of pineapple, passionfruit and the two citrus fruits, orange and grapefruit. Ergostanol and stigmastanol were found to be the sterol markers for pineapple juice, while passionfruit juice was characterised by the presence of an unidentified but unique sterol referred to as compound C. Juices of orange and grapefruit yielded very similar sterol profiles. They were readily distinguished from pineapple and passionfruit juices by a higher stigmasterol/campesterol ratio. Valencene/nootkatone response ratio in the hexane extracts was employed to aid in the differentiation of the two citrus juices. Matrix effects on the determination of sterol and sesquiterpenoid distributions were found to be insignificant. Although natural variation and absolute uniqueness of the sterol profile for each of the four fruit juices were not established due to the relatively small number of fruit samples examined, the results of several compounded beverages clearly point to the potential usefulness of sterol profiles for detecting juices of orange, grapefruit, pineapple and passionfruit in mixed drinks. © 1998 SCI.     

Heat resistance of juice spoilage microorganisms

The heat resistance of various yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii), molds (Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium roquefortii, and Aspergillus niger), and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus plantarum) obtained from spoiled acid or acidified food products was determined in 0.1 M citrate buffer at pH values of 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. S. cerevisiae was the most heat resistant of the microorganisms in citrate buffer, and its heat resistance was further evaluated in apple, grapefruit, calcium-fortified apple, and tomato juices as well as in a juice base with high fructose corn syrup. Decimal reduction times (D-values) and changes in temperature required to change the D-value (z-values) for S. cerevisiae were higher in the juices than in citrate buffer at all pH values tested. The D57 degrees C(135 degrees F)-values varied from 9.4 min in the juice product with pH 2.8 to 32 min in a calcium-added apple juice with pH 3.9. The S. cerevisiae strain used in this study can be used in thermal-death-time experiments in acidic products to calculate process conditions and in challenge tests to validate the calculated temperatures and hold times during processing.     

Adaptation of Salmonella spp. in juice stored under refrigerated and room temperature enhances acid resistance to simulated gastric fluid

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acid resistance of Salmonella spp. adapted in juices stored under refrigeration and room temperatures to simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.5). Five Salmonella serovars, Agona, Gaminara, Michigan, Montevideo, and Poona were used in this study. Apple, orange, and tomato juices inoculated with five serovars were stored at refrigeration (7 degrees C) and room temperature (20 degrees C) for 24 h for adaptation. Acid resistances of serovars adapted in juice were determined in SGF at 37 degrees C. All acid-adapted Salmonella serovars in juices displayed enhanced survival time compared to non-adapted controls. Among serovars, S. Poona adapted in apple at 20 degrees C and orange juices at 7 and 20 degrees C showed >2.0 log cfu/ml survivors, while the other serovars decreased to non-detectable level or <2.0 log cfu/ml for 100 s in SGF. Unlike apple and orange juices, all serovars adapted in tomato juice survived with >2.0 log cfu/ml for 100 s. For D-values, all Salmonella serovars adapted in apple and tomato juice enhanced their acid resistances compared to orange juices. S. Agona adapted in tomato juice at 7 degrees C and S. Poona in apple juice at 20 degrees C had the highest D-values with 82.9 and 82.5s, respectively. Results showed that the adaptation in juice increased acid resistance in SGF and varied by serovar, juice type, and adaptation temperature. Therefore, this study indicates that the introduction of Salmonella spp. to an acidic juice environment during processing can enhance their ability to survive in a human stomach, possibly increasing the risk of a Salmonella outbreak by juice.     

Thermal Inactivation of Yeasts in Fruit Juices Supplemented with Food Preservatives and Sucrose

Thermal inactivation of five yeasts (Candida krusei, Hansenula anomala, Saccharomyces bailii, S. cerevisiae and Torulopsis magnoliae) suspended in five fruit juices (apple, apricot, grape, orange and pineapple) as affected by potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and sucrose was investigated. Yeasts were most sensitive to heat when suspended in orange juice. Both preservatives, at a concentration as low as 100 ppm, enhanced the rate of inactivation in juices containing no added sucrose. Supplementation of juices with sucrose (30 and 50%) resulted in protection against death of yeasts. The detrimental effects of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were reduced in the presence of high concentrations of sucrose. While neither preservative exhibited a consistent superior lethal effect compared with the other, overall, sodium benzoate was generally more effective than was potassium sorbate.     

Prevalence, concentration, spoilage, and mitigation of Alicyclobacillus spp. in tropical and subtropical fruit juice concentrates

The presence of Alicyclobacillus in fruit juices and concentrates poses a serious problem for the juice industry. This study was undertaken to determine the (i) prevalence, concentration, and species of Alicyclobacillus in tropical and subtropical concentrates; (ii) efficacy of aqueous chlorine dioxide in reducing Alicyclobacillus spp. spores on tropical and subtropical fruit surfaces; and (iii) fate of and off-flavor production by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in mango and pineapple juices. One hundred and eighty tropical and subtropical juice concentrates were screened for the presence and concentration of Alicyclobacillus spp. If found, the species of Alicyclobacillus was determined by 16S rDNA sequencing and analysis with NCI BLAST. Of these samples, 6.1% were positive for Alicyclobacillus, and nine A. acidoterrestris strains and two Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius strains were identified. A five-strain cocktail of Alicyclobacillus spp. was inoculated onto the surface of fruits (grapefruit, guava, limes, mangoes, oranges and pineapple), which were then washed with 0, 50, or 100 ppm aqueous chlorine dioxide. Significant reductions due to chlorine dioxide were only seen on citrus fruits. A five-strain cocktail of A. acidoterrestris was inoculated into mango and pineapple juices. Microbial populations were enumerated over a 16-day period. Aroma compounds in the juice were analyzed by GC-olfactometry (GC-O) and confirmed using GC-MS. GC-O of mango juice identified previously reported medicinal/antiseptic compounds. GC-O of pineapple juice revealed an unexpected “cheese” off-aroma associated with 2-methylbutyric acid and 3-methylbutyric acid.     

A comparison of nutrient density scores for 100% fruit juices

ABSTRACT:  The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that consumers choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient density is usually defined as the quantity of nutrients per calorie. Food and nutrition professionals should be aware of the concept of nutrient density, how it might be quantified, and its potential application in food labeling and dietary guidance. This article presents the concept of a nutrient density score and compares nutrient density scores for various 100% fruit juices. One hundred percent fruit juices are popular beverages in the United States, and although they can provide concentrated sources of a variety of nutrients, they can differ considerably in their nutrient profiles. Six methodologies were used to quantify nutrient density and 7 100% fruit juices were included in the analysis: apple, grape, pink grapefruit, white grapefruit, orange, pineapple, and prune. Food composition data were obtained from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18. Application of the methods resulted in nutrient density scores with a range of values and magnitudes. The relative scores indicated that citrus juices, particularly pink grapefruit and orange juice, were more nutrient dense compared to the other nonfortified 100% juices included in the analysis. Although the methods differed, the relative ranking of the juices based on nutrient density score was similar for each method. Issues to be addressed regarding the development and application of a nutrient density score include those related to food fortification, nutrient bioavailability, and consumer education and behavior.     

Development and optimisation by means of sensory analysis of new beverages based on different fruit juices and sherry wine vinegar

BACKGROUND: Despite the long history of sherry wine vinegar, new alternatives of consumption are being developed, with the aim of diversifying its market. Several new acetic‐based fruit juices have been developed by optimising the amount of sherry wine vinegar added to different fruit juices: apple, peach, orange and pineapple. Once the concentrations of wine vinegar were optimised by an expert panel, the aforementioned new acetic fruit juices were tasted by 86 consumers. Three different aspects were taken into account: habits of consumption of vinegar and fruit juices, gender and age. RESULTS: Based on the sensory analysis, 50 g kg^?1 of wine vinegar was the optimal and preferred amount of wine vinegar added to the apple, orange and peach juices, whereas 10 g kg^?1 was the favourite for the pineapple fruit. Based on the olfactory and gustatory impression, and ‘purchase intent’, the acetic beverages made from peach and pineapple juices were the most appreciated, followed by apple juice, while those obtained from orange juice were the least preferred by consumers. CONCLUSION: New opportunities for diversification of the oenological market could be possible as a result of the development of this type of new product which can be easily developed by any vinegar or fruit juice maker company. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Stability of black carrot anthocyanins in various fruit juices and nectars

Fruit juices (apple, grape, orange, grapefruit, tangerine and lemon) and nectars (apricot, peach and pineapple) were coloured with black carrot juice concentrate and stability of black carrot anthocyanins in these matrices was studied during heating at 70–90 °C and storage at 4–37 °C. Anthocyanin degradation, in all coloured juices and nectars, followed first-order reaction kinetics. During heating, black carrot anthocyanins in apple and grape juices showed higher stability than those in citrus juices at 70 and 80 °C. High stability was also obtained for the anthocyanins in peach and apricot nectars at these temperatures. Black carrot anthocyanins were the least stable in orange juice during both heating and storage. During storage, degradation of anthocyanins was very fast at 37 °C, especially in pineapple nectar. Refrigerated storage (4 °C) markedly increased the stability in all samples. Activation energies for the degradation of black carrot anthocyanins in coloured juices and nectars ranged from 42.1 to 75.8 kJ mol⁻¹ at 70–90 °C and 65.9–94.7 kJ mol⁻¹ at 4–37 °C.     

Effects of high pressure and mild heat on endogenous microflora and on the inactivation and sublethal injury of Escherichia coli inoculated into fruit juices and vegetable soup

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of high-pressure treatments and mild temperatures on endogenous microflora and Escherichia coli CECT 515 artificially inoculated into orange and apple juices and vegetable soup. In general, the viability of aerobic bacteria was significantly reduced as pressure and temperature increased. Although the greatest reduction in the concentration of aerobic mesophilic vegetative cells was reached at 350 MPa and 60 degrees C, the same reduction occurred in fruit juices at 350 MPa and 20 degrees C. Yeasts and molds were below the level of detection (1 log CFU/ml) for the fruit juices and did not exceed 2 log CFU/ml for vegetable soup. Foods inoculated with E. coli were subjected to several treatments as indicated by the mathematical model applied in response surface methodology to obtain the maximum information with the minimum number of experiments. The number of tests for a range of pressures (150 to 350 MPa) and temperatures (20 to 60 degrees C) was limited to 11. The models were considered adequate because of satisfactory R2 values. The optimum process parameters (pressure and temperature) for a 6-log reduction of E. coli were obtained at 248.25 MPa and 59.91 degrees C in orange juice, 203.50 MPa and 57.18 degrees C in apple juice, and 269.8 MPa and 59.9 degrees C in vegetable soup. Sublethal injury of E. coli occurred as pressure and temperature increased. Nearly all of the E. coli cells were injured at 350 MPa and 20 degrees C in fruit juices and after all treatments in vegetable soup.     

Heat-resistant fungi in Nigerian heat-processed fruit juices

Sixty packaged heat-processed Nigerian fruit juices consisting of 15 each of mango, orange, pineapple and tomato, were screened for the presence of heat-resistant fungi after storage at approximately 28°C for 30 days. The resulting fungal growth was purified on potato dextrose agar. Approximately 17% of all the fruit juice packages and 27% of mango and tomato juices contained heat-resistant fungi. These were identified as Paecilomyces variotii, Aspergillus tamarii, A. flavus and A. ochraceus , the latter being predominant.     

Application of a multi-pass high-pressure homogenization treatment for the pasteurization of fruit juices

This work evaluates both the effects of a multiple-pass high-pressure homogenization treatment on the microbial inactivation of selected microbial strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Escherichia coli) inoculated into commercial fruit juices (orange, red orange, pineapple) as well as the application of this non-thermal technology to the pasteurization of fresh juices (Annurca apple juice). The pressure level ranged from 50 to 250 MPa, the number of passes from 1 to 5 and the inlet temperature from 2 to 20 °C.Preliminary tests in distilled water showed that the efficiency of the multiple-pass treatment significantly depends on both the homogenizing pressure as well as the microbial species. The subsequent extension of the multiple-pass treatment to the inactivation of S. cerevisiae inoculated into three different fruit juices (orange, red-orange and pineapple juice) highlighted that the inactivation induced by the high pressure treatment did not depend on the properties of the tested juices and was not statistically different from inactivation in water (p value < 0.05). These findings were supported by the comparison of two different mathematical models used to fit the inactivation kinetics, whose fitting parameters were not significantly different for water and the fruit juices for any pressure level applied.Three homogenization passes at 150 MPa and 25 °C, which resulted to be optimal for yeast inactivation in fruit juices, were effective for the stabilization of the endogenous microbial load of fresh Annurca apple juice. The treated apple juice showed a minimum shelf-life of 28 days under refrigerated conditions, during which the natural qualities of the fresh juice were completely preserved.     

Fate of Escherichia coli in apple and reduction of its growth using the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1

BACKGROUND: Generally, acidic fruits and fruit juices are considered ‘safe’ from a microbiological point of view. However, some outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have been linked to the consumption of unpasteurised cider. The aim of this work was to study the survival of Escherichia coli in apple juice, wounds and flesh and on apple surfaces at different temperatures and to determine the effect of the fungal biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1 against the colonisation of apple by E. coli. RESULTS: Trials were conducted with a mixture of five strains of E. coli isolated from apples. E. coli was unable to grow in apple juice at 5, 15 and 25 °C but survived. At 10 °C and above, E. coli thrived in fresh‐cut apple and wounds. At 5 °C it survived in apple wounds after 27 days of storage and after 21 days in fresh‐cut apples. When E. coli was inoculated in apple wounds together with the yeast antagonist C. sake, its growth was reduced by approximately 1 log cfu wound^?1 at 25 °C. At 5 °C no effect of the biocontrol agent was observed. CONCLUSION: Despite the low pH of apple, a rapid increase in the bacterial population is possible if the temperature is not kept low enough. The biocontrol agent C. sake, developed to prevent fruit decay during storage, could also reduce E. coli growth in wounded apples at abusive temperatures. This would represent an additional benefit of using this biocontrol agent when applied to control postharvest diseases. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Grape,apple and pineapple juice characterisation and detection of mixtures

Several multivariate statistical methods (principal component, cluster, stepwise discriminant and multiple linear regression analysis) were applied to analytical data obtained by conventional methods and to analytical data for free amino acids, in an attempt to distinguish between grape, apple and pineapple juice. Analysis for methionine, proline, asparagine, arginine and glutamic acid made it possible to differentiate among the 34 samples of grape, apple and pineapple juices studied. Multiple linear regression analysis of computer-simulated mixtures of grape and apple juices made it possible to detect the proportion of each fruit within the blend.     

Microbiological quality of fresh, minimally-processed fruit and vegetables, and sprouts from retail establishments

A survey of fresh and minimally-processed fruit and vegetables, and sprouts was conducted in several retail establishments in the Lleida area (Catalonia, Spain) during 2005-2006 to determine whether microbial contamination, and in particular potentially pathogenic bacteria, was present under these commodities. A total of 300 samples--including 21 ready-to-eat fruits, 28 whole fresh vegetables, 15 sprout samples and 237 ready-to-eat salads containing from one to six vegetables--were purchased from 4 supermarkets. They were tested for mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobic counts, yeasts and moulds, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes counts as well as for the presence of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica and thermotolerant Campylobacter. Results for the fresh-cut vegetables that we analyzed showed that, in general, the highest microorganism counts were associated with grated carrot, arugula and spinach (7.8, 7.5 and 7.4 log cfu g(-1) of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms; 6.1, 5.8 and 5.2 log cfu g(-1) of yeast and moulds; 5.9, 4.0 and 5.1 log cfu g(-1) lactic acid bacteria and 6.2, 5.3 and 6.0 log cfu g(-1) of Enterobacteriaceae). The lowest counts were generally associated with fresh-cut endive and lettuce (6.2 and 6.3 log cfu g(-1) of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms; 4.4 and 4.6 log cfu g(-1) of yeast and moulds; 2.7 and 3.8 log cfu g(-1) lactic acid bacteria and 4.8 and 4.4 log cfu g(-1) of Enterobacteriaceae). Counts of psychrotrophic microorganisms were as high as those of mesophilic microorganisms. Microbiological counts for fresh-cut fruit were very low. Sprouts were highly contaminated with mesophilic (7.9 log cfu g(-1)), psychrotrophic microorganisms (7.3 log cfu g(-1)) and Enterobacteriaceae (7.2 log cfu g(-1)) and showed a high incidence of E. coli (40% of samples). Of the samples analyzed, four (1.3%) were Salmonella positive and two (0.7%) harboured L. monocytogenes. None of the samples was positive for E. coli O157:H7, pathogenic Y. enterocolitica or thermotolerant Campylobacter.     

D-alanine in Fruit Juices: A Molecular Marker of Bacterial Activity, Heat Treatments and Shelf-life

Apple, grapefruit, orange, peach, pear, pineapple and other commercial juice samples were investigated by GC (chiral phase) and HPLC (chiral eluent) to detect D-amino acids as molecular markers of bacterial activity, heat treatments, and shelf life. The development of D-amino acids was followed in grapefruit juice samples inoculated with bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarun), or yeasts (Saccharomyces cereviae). Significant amounts of free D-alanine were found only in juices affected by bacterial contamination. The content of D-alanine was not dependent upon pasteurization or sterilization treatments and did not change during the shelf-life of the products. D-alanine may be considered as a marker of bacterial contamination occurring before or during juice processing.     

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in fruit juices and its control by nisin

Summary The acid-tolerant and heat-resistant bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a spoilage problem in pasteurized and heat-treated fruit juices. In this study it was shown to grow in orange juice, grapefruit juice and apple juice to produce detectable taint at levels of about 10⁴–10⁵ c.f.u. ml⁻¹. Decimal reduction times were determined at 80 °, 90 ° and 95 °C in each juice and confirmed the heat-resistant nature of the spores under normal juice pasteurization conditions. They also confirmed that heat sensitivity increased with decreasing pH but that this effect was less pronounced at higher temperatures. The organism was, however, sensitive to the bacteriocin food preservative nisin. The presence of nisin during heating decreased the D value by up to 40% and the MIC for nisin against spores at 25 °C was only 5 International Units (IU) ml⁻¹. The results indicate that use of nisin is a potentially useful way of controlling this organism in fruit juices and fruit juice-containing products.