Changes in appearance and natural microflora on iceberg lettuce treated in warm,chlorinated water and then stored at refrigeration temperature

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of warm, chlorinated water on the survival and subsequent growth of naturally occurring microorganisms and visual quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. After dipping cut lettuce leaves in water containing 20 mg l⁻¹free chlorine for 90 s at 50°C, samples were stored at 5 or 15°C for up to 18 or 7 days, respectively. Populations of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds were determined. The visual appearance and development of brown discoloration were monitored. Treatment of lettuce in warm (50°C) chlorinated water delayed browning of lettuce. Shelf life of lettuce stored at 5°C, as determined by subjective evaluation of color and general appearance, was about 5 days longer than that of lettuce stored at 15°C. Treatment in warm (50°) water, with or without 20 mg l⁻¹chlorine, and in chlorinated water at 20°C significantly (α= 0·05) reduced the initial population of mesophilic aerobic microflora by 1·73–1·96 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹. Populations increased, regardless of treatment, as storage time at 5°C and 15°C increased. The same trends were observed in populations of psychrotrophs and Enterobacteriaceae. Yeast populations increased slightly in lettuce stored at 5°C but were consistently about 3 logs lower than mesophilic aerobes. Populations of molds and lactic acid bacteria were less than 2 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹throughout storage at 5 or 15°C. Results suggest that heat (50°C) treatment may have delayed browning and reduced initial populations of some groups of micro-organisms naturally occurring on iceberg lettuce, but enhanced microbial growth during subsequent storage.     

Acidified sodium chlorite as an alternative to chlorine to control microbial growth on shredded carrots while maintaining quality

Shredded carrots are particularly susceptible to microbial growth and quality deterioration as a result of a large cut surface area to mass ratio. Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) in the concentration range 500–1200 µL L^?1 has been shown to have stronger efficacy against pathogens and spoilage bacteria than chlorine and does not form carcinogenic products. However, ASC in this concentration range aggravates tissue damage. The objective of this study was to optimize ASC treatment parameters to balance antimicrobial activity with quality retention of shredded carrots. Shredded carrots were immersed for either 1 min in 100, 250 or 500 µL L^?1 ASC solutions or 2 min in 200 µL L^?1 chlorine or water (control). Treated samples were spin‐dried and packaged in polypropylene bags and stored at 5 °C for up to 21 days. Carrots were evaluated at 7‐day intervals for visual appearance, package atmosphere composition (O₂ and CO₂), product firmness, tissue electrolyte leakage and pH. The microbial growth, including total aerobic bacterial counts, total coliforms/Escherichia coli, yeast and mold counts and lactic acid bacterial counts on the products was also determined. Treatments with all concentrations of ASC reduced the aerobic bacterial counts, coliform/E. coli counts, yeast mold and counts and lactic acid bacterial populations by 1.2–2.0 log cfu g^?1 when compared with the water‐washed and unwashed samples. During storage, unwashed samples had a sharp increase in lactic acid bacterial populations accompanied by a sharp decline in pH readings and rapid loss in firmness and tissue integrity; samples washed with 100 µL L^?1 ASC maintained the best overall visual quality, accompanied by the retention of tissue integrity and firmness. Therefore, 100 µL L^?1 was determined as the optimum concentration of ASC for maintaining overall quality and firmness, inhibiting microbial growth and prolonging the shelf‐life of shredded carrots. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of plasma-activated water on microbial growth and storage quality of fresh-cut apple

Fresh-cut ‘Fuji’ apples were immersed for 5 min in plasma-activated water (PAW) generated, by plasma generated with sinusoidal voltages at 7.0 kHz with amplitudes of 6 kV, 8 kV, and 10 kV, designated PAW-6, PAW-8, and PAW-10, respectively. The control group was soaked in distilled water for 5 min instead of PAW. The results indicated that the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts was inhibited by PAW treatments during storage at 4 ± 1 °C, especially the microbial inactivation with PAW-8, which was the most efficient. PAW-8 reduced the microbial counts by 1.05 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, 0.64 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, 1.04 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹ and 0.86 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹ for aerobic bacteria (aerobic plate counts), molds, yeasts and coliforms on day 12, respectively. In addition, the bacterial counts of fresh-cut apples treated with PAW were <5 log₁₀CFU g⁻¹, which did not exceed to the existing China Shanghai local standard (DB 31/2012–2013) during 12 days of storage. PAW treatments reduced superficial browning of fresh-cut apples without affecting their firmness and titratable acidity. In addition, no significant change was observed in antioxidant content and radical scavenging activity between the PAW-treated and control groups. It is suggested that PAW is a promising method for preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, which is usually beneficial to the quality maintenance of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables during storage.     

Quality of minimally processed carrots as affected by warm water washing and chlorination

Different applications of cold and warm tap water (4 °C and 50 °C) with and without chlorination, respectively, in the washing of uncut peeled carrots (Daucus carota L.) were conducted, and their effects on sensory and microbiological properties during storage for 9 days at 4 °C were assessed. To minimise cross-contamination of almost sterile inner root parts with the highly contaminated outer cortex during processing the peeled carrots were washed prior to cutting. The washing treatments were carried out using a commercial processing line, thus facilitating the scale-up to industrial production. Populations of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria on these minimally processed carrots were determined, and the sensorial quality of shredded carrots was evaluated by a sensory panel throughout storage. Additionally, colour, texture, sugars, and trichloromethanes were analysed. Washing uncut carrots with cold chlorinated water (200 mg/l, 4 °C) and warm tap water (50 °C) ensured sugar retention and reduced aerobic mesophilic bacteria by 1.7 and 2.0 log₁₀ colony forming units per gram (cfu/g), respectively, while washing with warm chlorinated water (200 mg/l) resulted in a 2.3 log₁₀ cfu/g reduction. By-product formation due to chlorination was negligible. Sensorial properties of the latter samples were slightly affected. It was shown that both washing uncut knife-peeled carrots with cold chlorinated water (4 °C) and warm tap water (50 °C), respectively, provided good microbiological safety paired with improved sensorial properties. Moreover, fresh-like character of the products was retained, as indicated by the persisting respiration of the living tissues.Industrial relevanceMinimally processed vegetables are an increasing market. Shelf-life extension and consumer safety are of immense relevance for the fresh-cut industry; therefore, the application of antimicrobial agents such as chlorine is widespread. However, various consumer groups object to the use of chlorinated water. The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy of cold and warm tap water with and without chlorination, respectively, in washing uncut carrots during the production of shredded, packaged carrots while operating on pilot-plant scale under conditions of industrial practice. In view of microbial reduction and maintenance of sensory properties, the use of cold chlorinated water and warm tap water, respectively, proved to be effective for washing peeled carrots. By-product formation due to chlorination was negligible.     

高静压对桃汁杀菌、钝化酶活性的效果

研究在不同处理压力和时间条件下,高静压加工技术对桃汁中微生物(细菌总数、霉菌、酵母菌、大肠菌群)以及酶(多酚氧化酶、果胶甲基酯酶、脂肪氧化酶)的影响。结果表明:经400MPa、5min高静压处理即可完全杀灭桃汁中的微生物;在400MPa和500MPa条件下,桃汁中的多酚氧化酶和脂肪氧化酶的活性出现了不同程度的激活现象,但在600MPa时,随着处理时间的延长,其活性逐渐降低,经30min处理后,分别被钝化了0.7662和0.641。而果胶甲基酯酶在400、500、600MPa条件下,出现了不规律的激活或钝化现象。另外,研究表明在高静压加工前增加漂烫工艺,可以有效杀灭桃汁中的微生物及钝化酶活性。     

不同杀菌方式对低糖香蕉果酱品质的影响

本实验研究了沸水、高压蒸汽和辐照三种灭菌方式对低糖香蕉果酱品质的影响。分别对香蕉果酱采用沸水灭菌10min,121℃蒸汽灭菌5min和60Co-γ射线（辐照剂量分别为1.1、4.1、9和13.8k Gy）辐照处理,考察果酱感官指标、理化性质及微生物的变化情况。结果表明香蕉果酱经高压蒸汽灭菌后,酱体发生褐变,总糖、还原糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著提高,维生素C含量大幅度下降。沸水和高压蒸汽灭菌均不能长时间的抑制微生物的生长,随着贮藏时间延长至15d,香蕉果酱的微生物检测结果表明菌落总数和霉菌数超标。与沸水灭菌相比,采用60Co-γ射线剂量4.1k Gy对香蕉果酱辐照灭菌时,果酱的色泽、粘度、还原糖、可滴定酸、可溶性蛋白、游离氨基酸、维生素C均未发生显著改变（p>0.05）,果酱的菌落总数、大肠菌数和霉菌数均在安全范围,可最大程度地保持果酱的卫生安全、感官特性和营养价值,延长果酱的保质期。      

酸乳在加工贮藏过程中微生物菌相演变与卫生标准研究

应用选择性培养基对凝固型酸乳加工过程中细菌菌相演变情况进行分析,同时应用国家标准方法对酸乳加工储藏过程中的微生物卫生指标菌落总数、大肠菌群、霉菌和酵母菌的消长状况进行研究。结果表明假单胞菌、肠杆菌科和乳酸菌是原料乳中的优势菌群,经过杀菌、接种和发酵后,乳酸菌为优势菌群。贮藏一周后霉菌和酵母菌逐渐增加并成为次要优势菌群,三周后细菌菌落总数增加。霉菌、酵母菌和细菌是引起酸乳腐败的主要微生物类群。     

High-pressure processing of Turkish white cheese for microbial inactivation

High-pressure processing (HPP) of Turkish white cheese and reduction of Listeria monocytogenes, total Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total molds and yeasts, total Lactococcus spp., and total Lactobacillus spp. were investigated. Cheese samples were produced from raw milk and pasteurized milk and were inoculated with L. monocytogenes after brining. Both inoculated (ca. 10(7) to 10(8) CFU/g) and noninoculated samples were subjected to HPP in a high-pressure food processor at 50 to 600 MPa for 5 and 10 min at 25 degrees C. Reductions in L. monocytogenes, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. in both pasteurized- and raw-milk cheese samples and reductions in total molds and yeasts and total Enterobacteriaceae counts in raw-milk cheese samples increased with increased pressure (P < or = 0.05). The maximum reduction of the L. monocytogenes count, ca. 4.9 log CFU/g, was obtained at 600 MPa. Because of the highly inhibitory effect of pasteurization, the total molds and yeasts and total Enterobacteriaceae counts for the cheese samples produced from pasteurized milk were below the detection limit both before and after HPP. There was no significant difference in inactivation of L. monocytogenes, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. under the same treatment conditions for the raw milk and pasteurized milk cheeses and for 5- and 10-min treatment times (P > 0.05). No significant change was detected in pH or water activity of the samples before and after HPP. Our findings suggest that HPP can be used effectively to reduce the microbial load in Turkish white cheese.     

Decontamination of lettuce using acidic electrolyzed water

The disinfectant effect of acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW), ozonated water, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution on lettuce was examined. AcEW (pH 2.6; oxidation reduction potential, 1140 mV; 30 ppm of available chlorine) and NaOCl solution (150 ppm of available chlorine) reduced viable aerobes in lettuce by 2 log CFU/g within 10 min. For lettuce washed in alkaline electrolyzed water (AIEW) for 1 min and then disinfected in AcEW for 1 min, viable aerobes were reduced by 2 log CFU/g. On the other hand, ozonated water containing 5 ppm of ozone reduced viable aerobes in lettuce 1.5 log CFU/g within 10 min. It was discovered that AcEW showed a higher disinfectant effect than did ozonated water significantly at P < 0.05. It was confirmed by swabbing test that AcEW, ozonated water, and NaOCI solution removed aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria, molds, and yeasts on the surface of lettuce. Therefore, residual microorganisms after the decontamination of lettuce were either in the inside of the cellular tissue, such as the stomata, or making biofilm on the surface of lettuce. Biofilms were observed by a scanning electron microscope on the surface of the lettuce treated with AcEW. Moreover, it was shown that the spores of bacteria on the surface were not removed by any treatment in this study. However, it was also observed that the surface structure of lettuce was not damaged by any treatment in this study. Thus, the use of AcEW for decontamination of fresh lettuce was suggested to be an effective means of controlling microorganisms.     

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Combined with Blanching on Microorganisms and Quality Attributes of Cloudy and Clear Strawberry Juices

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure combined with blanching on microorganisms and quality attributes of strawberry juices were investigated. High hydrostatic pressure at 600 MPa/4 min/ambient temperature inactivated total aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria, yeasts, and molds in juices, ensuring their microbiological safety. Under this condition, the cloudiness of cloudy juices increased by 54.49% and its viscosity decreased by 12.40%. Ascorbic acid decreased by 7.82% in cloudy juices and 12.60% in clear juices. The content of total volatile flavor compounds increased by 13.21% in cloudy juices and decreased by 6.92% in clear juices. No significant changes in anthocyanins, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity were found with high hydrostatic pressure treatment.     

1-Methylcyclopropene Counteracts Ethylene-Induced Microbial Growth on Fresh-Cut Watermelon

ABSTRACT:  The effects of exogenous ethylene, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), or both on microbial growth on watermelon fruit and watermelon slices were investigated. Freshly harvested seedless watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus , cv. Sugar Heart) were treated with 0.5 or 1.0 ppm 1-MCP, 10 ppm ethylene, 1-MCP + ethylene, or left untreated as controls. Fruits were processed into wedge-shaped slices, packaged into rigid trays sealed with a polyethylene film with a 29.2 pmol s⁻¹ m⁻² Pa⁻¹ oxygen transmission rate. The slices were evaluated after 0-, 6-, and 12-d storage at 5 °C. Ethylene treatment alone increased the populations of aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds on the packaged slices during storage compared to those on corresponding control slices and resulted in extensive juice leakage from the slices. The ethylene treatment also resulted in high aerobic bacterial counts throughout the flesh of whole melons compared to the controls. Treating watermelons with 0.5 or 1.0 ppm 1-MCP prior to ethylene exposure counteracted the deleterious effects of ethylene. Extending the time from harvest to 1-MCP treatment increased the population of aerobic bacteria, but had no detectable effect on the growth of lactic acid bacteria or yeasts and molds. The results indicate that low concentrations (0.5 or 1.0 ppm) of 1-MCP can be used on whole watermelon to avoid deleterious effects of exogenous ethylene to which the melons could be exposed during shipping or storage.     

DMDC杀菌对鲜切菜心品质的影响

本文以鲜切菜心为原料,研究了二甲基二碳酸盐(DMDC)作为杀菌剂对其细菌、霉菌和酵母菌总数的影响,并通过测定鲜切菜心在贮藏期间外观品质、营养成分及其褐变相关主要酶的变化,对DMDC用于鲜切菜心的杀菌效果进行评价。结果表明:DMDC可以有效减少鲜切菜心中细菌(革兰氏阳性菌)、霉菌和酵母菌总数,对其贮藏前期的硬度、色泽、叶绿素含量的变化有一定影响,但是对VC和可溶性糖无明显影响;并且可有效减少可溶性蛋白的损失,抑制多酚氧化酶(PPO)、过氧化物酶(POD)的活性。说明DMDC杀菌可以有效杀灭菜心表面微生物,延缓菜心贮藏期褐变相关酶活性的增加和衰老,有利于维持菜心的营养品质。      

A comparison of different chemical sanitizers for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in solution and on apples, lettuce, strawberries, and cantaloupe

Ozone (3 ppm), chlorine dioxide (3 and 5 ppm), chlorinated trisodium phosphate (100- and 200-ppm chlorine), and peroxyacetic acid (80 ppm) were assessed for reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in an aqueous model system and on inoculated produce. Initially, sanitizer solutions were inoculated to contain approximately 10(6) CFU/ml of either pathogen, after which aliquots were removed at 15-s intervals over a period of 5 min and approximately plated to determine log reduction times. Produce was dip inoculated to contain approximately 10(6) E. coli O157:H7 or L. monocytogenes CFU/g, held overnight, submerged in each sanitizer solution for up to 5 min, and then examined for survivors. In the model system study, both pathogens decreased > 5 log following 2 to 5 min of exposure, with ozone being most effective (15 s), followed by chlorine dioxide (19 to 21 s), chlorinated trisodium phosphate (25 to 27 s), and peroxyacetic acid (70 to 75 s). On produce, ozone and chlorine dioxide (5 ppm) were most effective, reducing populations approximately 5.6 log, with chlorine dioxide (3 ppm) and chlorinated trisodium phosphate (200 ppm chlorine) resulting in maximum reductions of approximately 4.9 log. Peroxyacetic acid was the least effective sanitizer (approximately 4.4-log reductions). After treatment, produce samples were stored at 4 degrees C for 9 days and quantitatively examined for E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Populations of both pathogens remained relatively unchanged, whereas numbers of mesophilic bacteria increased 2 to 3 log during storage. Final mold and yeast populations were significantly higher than initial counts for chlorine dioxide- and ozone-treated produce. Using the nonextended triangle test, whole apples exposed to chlorinated trisodium phosphate (200 ppm chlorine) and shredded lettuce exposed to peroxyacetic acid were statistically different from the other treated samples.     

Antimicrobial activity of vanillin against spoilage microorganisms in stored fresh-cut mangoes

The antimicrobial activity of vanillin against four bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans, Aeromonas enteropelogenes, Micrococcus lylae, and Sphingobacterium spiritovorun), four fungi (Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp.), and three unidentified yeasts isolated from spoiling fresh-cut mango slices was verified in laboratory media adjusted to pH 5.0. MICs of vanillin against the fungi (12.5 to 13.3 mM), bacteria (10 to 13.3 mM), and yeasts (5.0 to 6.7 mM) indicated that all the test species were sensitive to the antimicrobial effects of vanillin. Fresh-cut mango slices were dipped for 1 min in solutions containing 40 and 80 mM vanillin before being packaged in rigid trays and stored at 5 and 10 degrees C to verify the effects of vanillin on the development of the spoilage microflora. Microbiological analysis for up to 14 days of storage revealed that treatment with 80 mM vanillin significantly delayed (P < 0.05) the development of total aerobic bacteria and yeast and mold populations. Vanillin may be a practical preservative for processing fresh-cut mango.     

Effects of Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Pasteurization on the Physical and Quality Attributes of a Red Grapefruit Juice

ABSTRACT:  Red grapefruit juice was treated with continuous dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) equipment to inactivate yeasts and molds and total aerobic microorganisms. A central composite design was used with pressure (13.8, 24.1, and 34.5 MPa) and residence time (5, 7, and 9 min) as variables at constant temperature (40 °C), and CO₂ level (5.7%) after experimentally measuring CO₂ solubility in the juice. Five log reduction for yeasts and molds and total aerobic microorganisms occurred at 34.5 MPa and 7 min of treatment. A storage study was performed on the fresh juice DPCD treated at these conditions. °Brix, pH, titratable acidity (TA), pectinesterase (PE) inactivation, cloud, color, hue tint and color density, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and ascorbic acid were measured after the treatment and during 6 wk storage at 4 °C. During storage, the DPCD-treated juice showed no growth of total aerobic microorganisms and yeasts and molds. Cloud increased (91%) while percent PE inactivation was partial (69.17%). No significant (α= 0.05) differences were detected between treated and untreated samples for °Brix, pH, and TA. Treated juice had higher lightness and redness and lower yellowness. No significant differences (α= 0.05) were detected for the hue tint values while the color density value was higher for the treated samples compared to the untreated. The treatment and the storage did not affect the total phenolic content of the juice. Slight differences were detected for the ascorbic acid content and the antioxidant capacity. The experimental results showed evidence that the treatment can maintain the physical and quality attributes of the juice, extending its shelf life and safety.     

Microflora of minimally processed frozen vegetables sold in Gaborone, Botswana

Two hundred samples of minimally processed, frozen, and prepacked potato chips, peas, corn, and a variety of combined vegetables from supermarkets in Gaborone, Botswana, were examined microbiologically. Determination of aerobic mesophilic plate count, aerobic psychrotrophic plate count, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, coliforms, Listeria spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were done. Chips had the lowest mean log values for all of the microorganisms enumerated except yeasts and molds. The mean log values for single vegetables ranged from 3.6 to 9.1, 3.4 to 8.9, 2.9 to 5.6, and 2.1 to 6.5 log CFU/ g aerobic mesophilic plate count, aerobic psychrotrophic plate count, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds, respectively. The microbial profiles of peas and corn were almost similar (P < 0.001). The mean values for combined vegetables were clustered within 4.6 and 5.4 and 4.2 and 5.2 log CFU/g aerobic mesophilic plate count and aerobic psychrotrophic plate count, respectively. All of the vegetables had a coliform population distribution ranging from 0 to < 10(4) most probable number per g. The predominant gram-negative bacteria isolated included members of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonaceae (86.2%). Escherichia coli was not detected in all of the samples. The organisms isolated included those responsible for spoilage in frozen vegetables, namely Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Corynebacterium, lactic acid bacteria, and Flavobacterium. The predominant lactic acid bacteria were Lactobacillus spp. (55.9%). Other spoilage organisms were yeasts, and Cryptococcus spp. (55.4%) was predominant. Pathogens, namely Listeria monocytogenes, were also isolated at a rate of 2 to 10%, of which 4% was from corn, 2% each from peas and country crop, and 10% from stir-fry. Bacillus cereus was also isolated and accounted for 7.7% of the microorganisms from corn. S. aureus was isolated from all of the vegetables. Enterotoxigenic strains were from corn, peas, mixed vegetables, and stir-fry, and all of them produced enterotoxin A. In addition, the isolates from stir-fry vegetables also produced enterotoxins B and C. The study reveals the presence of pathogens and emerging opportunistic pathogens in the ready-to-use or ready-to-eat vegetables. If E. coli is the only indicator for safety and acceptability, consumers may be exposed to foodborne diseases. Inclusion of other groups as indicator organisms is suggested. Retailers are urged to invest in standby generators to maintain the cold chain.     

Microbiological evaluation of navy bean flour and its blend with retail ground beef

Sterile water suspensions of navy bean flour (NF) were used as a model medium on which the growth of eight microorganisms important for food hygiene and technology was evaluated. Almost all microorganisms grew better on model mediums with 10 and 15% of NF than on the nutrient broth (control). Retail ground beef with and without 5, 10 and 15% addition of NF was wrapped with plastic film and stored at 4°C. Aerobic plate count, psychrophiles, coliforms and yeasts and molds were assessed after 0, 3 and 6 days. Navy bean flour added to ground beef had a significant effect only on aerobic plate count. Growth of psychrophiles, coliforms, yeasts and molds was not affected by addition of NF. Microflora of retail ground beef-NF blends mainly consisted of Lactobacillus spp., while other genera of bacteria were found in smaller numbers. The pH of blends increased in proportion to the level of NF added and was significantly higher in comparison with retail ground beef alone, but decreased during storage due to the large amount of lactic acid bacteria.     

Acetic Acid, Formic Acid, and Potassium Sorbate as Preservatives for Short Term Storage of Bovine Hides

Total numbers of aerobic microorganisms, Gram negative bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, coagulase positive staphylococci, and yeasts and molds were monitored during storage of segments of bovine hides. The preservatives tested were acetic acid, formic acid, and potassium sorbate. Potassium sorbate at any concentration tested did not control adequately any group of microorganisms monitored. Acetic and formic acids at all concentrations tested, significantly inhibited growth of all groups of microorganisms. At the highest concentration tested (0.67M) not only did the formic acid inhibit growth of microogramisms, but it had a lethal effect on all groups monitored except yeasts and molds. Formic acid was a better preservative than acetic acid. Neither formic nor acetic acid inhibited growth of yeasts and molds to the same extent as the other groups monitored.     

Effect of vacuum-steam-vacuum treatment on microbial quality of whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe

Minimally processed fruits and vegetables have a limited shelf life because of deterioration caused by spoilage microflora and physiological processes. Cutting may increase microbial spoilage of fruits through transfer of microflora on the outer surfaces to the interior tissue. The objectives of this study were to use the vacuum-steam-vacuum (VSV) process to reduce indigenous spoilage microflora on the surface of cantaloupes and to investigate the effects of such treatments on transfer of spoilage microflora from the cantaloupe surface to the fresh-cut melon during rind removal and cutting. Whole cantaloupes were treated in the VSV processor, and fresh-cut pieces prepared from treated and control samples were stored at 5 and 10 degrees C for up to 9 days. Presence and growth of mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, and Pseudomonas spp. were determined in fresh-cut samples during storage. Texture and color (CIE L*, a*, and b*) also were measured during storage. VSV treatment resulted in a 1.0-log reduction of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, a 2.0-log reduction of yeasts and molds, and a 1.5-log reduction of Pseudomonas spp. on cantaloupe surfaces. VSV treatment significantly reduced transfer of yeasts and molds and Pseudomonas spp. from whole cantaloupe surface to fresh-cut pieces during preparation (P < 0.05). Texture and color of the fresh-cut pieces prepared from the VSV-treated whole melons were similar to those of the controls. The results of this study indicate that the use of the VSV process to reduce the surface populations of yeasts and molds and Pseudomonas spp. on whole cantaloupes will reduce subsequent transfer of these microbes to fresh-cut pieces and enhance the microbial quality of the fresh-cut product.     

Microbiological Characteristics of Part-Baked White Pan Bread During Storage

In this study, white pan breads part-baked 10, 15, and 20 min with and without added calcium propionate were stored at 20°C (room temperature) for 3, 5, and 7 days and at 4°C (refrigerator temperature) for 7, 14, and 21 days. After storage, the baking time of part-baked breads was completed to the baking time of control breads (25 min). Total aerobic mesophylic bacteria (TAMB), coliform bacteria, yeast and mold, and Bacillus spore counts of breads were determined before and after the second baking. While TAMB, yeast and mold counts were 8-log CFU/g in dough, it was measured as 6 and 2-log CFU/g before and after the rebaking process, respectively. Microorganism counts of the part-baked breads without Ca-propionate stored at room temperature increased in significant amounts. However, the second baking process after storage contributed to the re-freshness of breads and decreased the microorganism counts. The levels of water activity (a_w) for breads with and without ca-propionate stored at different temperatures and time profiles approximately ranged from 0.92 to 0.89 after the rebaking process and did not significantly affect the microorganism counts. However, addition of calcium propionate in the bread formulation significantly decreased TAMB, coliform bacteria, Bacillus spore, and yeast and mold counts, depending on decrease of pH levels. It was found that the microbiological quality of the rebaking bread with Ca-propionate after part-baking for 10 and 15 mins and storage at both room and refrigerator temperature was much higher than that of the other.