Death of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in shelf-stable, dairy-based, pourable salad dressings

The objectives of this study were to determine the death rates of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in three commercially manufactured full-fat ranch salad dressings, three reduced-fat ranch salad dressings, two full-fat blue cheese salad dressings, and two reduced-fat blue cheese salad dressings and to affirm the expectation that these dressings do not support the growth of these pathogens. The respective initial pH values of the four types of shelf-stable, dairy-based, pourable dressings were 2.87 to 3.72, 2.82 to 3.19, 3.08 to 3.87, and 2.83 to 3.49, respectively. Dressings were inoculated with low (2.4 to 2.5 log CFU/g) and high (5.3 to 5.9 log CFU/g) populations of separate five-strain mixtures of each pathogen and stored at 25 degrees C for up to 15 days. Regardless of the initial inoculum population, all test pathogens rapidly died in all salad dressings. Salmonella was undetectable by enrichment (<1 CFU/25-ml sample in three replicate trials) in all salad dressings within 1 day, and E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes were reduced to undetectable levels by enrichment between 1 and 8 days and 2 and 8 days, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in 4 of the 10 salad dressings stored for 2 or more days and 9 of the 10 dressings stored for 6 or more days after inoculation. L. monocytogenes was detected in 9 of the 10 salad dressings stored for 3 days but in only one dressing, by enrichment, at 6 days, indicating that it had the highest tolerance among the three pathogens to the acidic environment imposed by the dressings. Overall, the type of dressing (i.e., ranch versus blue cheese) and level of fat in the dressings did not have a marked effect on the rate of inactivation of pathogens. Total counts and populations of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts and molds remained low or undetectable (<1.0 log CFU/ml) throughout the 15-day storage period. Based on these observations, shelf-stable, dairy-based, pourable ranch and blue cheese salad dressings manufactured by three companies and stored at 25 degrees C do not support the growth of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes and should not be considered as potentially hazardous foods (time-temperature control for safety foods) as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code.     

Challenge Studies with Selected Pathogenic Bacteria on Freshly Peeled Hamlin Orange

The survival and growth of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes , and Staphylococcus aureus on peeled Hamlin orange were examined. Fruits were peeled by infusing the peel with water to assist hand removal. The peeled oranges had an average pH of 6.0–6.5 at the surface and 3.8 in the juice. After surface inoculation, peeled fruits were incubated for up to 14 days. Growth was observed with all tested pathogens only at the abusive storage temperature (24°C). Refrigeration (4 or 8°C) effectively inhibited the growth of all pathogens and caused population reduction of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus.     

Viability of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in delicatessen salads and hummus as affected by sodium content and storage temperature

A study was conducted to determine survival and growth behavior of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in commercially prepared mayonnaise-based potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw and in hummus (initial mean pH values were 4.80 to 4.94, 4.18 to 4.31, 3.87, and 4.50 to 4.52, respectively) as affected by sodium concentration (133 to 364, 190 to 336, 146 to 272, and 264 to 728 mg/100 g, respectively) and storage at 4 or 10°C for up to 27 days. Salmonella did not grow in any of the test products. Initial populations (2.02 to 2.38 log CFU/g) decreased in coleslaw to undetectable levels (<1 CFU/25 g) within 13 days and in most formulations of macaroni salad within 20 to 27 days. Salmonella survived in highest numbers in potato salad and hummus. The presence of added sodium in macaroni salad stored at 4°C and hummus stored at 4 or 10°C appeared to protect Salmonella against inactivation. L. monocytogenes, at an initial population of 1.86 to 2.23 log CFU/g, did not grow in test products, but with the exception of coleslaw containing sodium at a concentration used in the standard (control) recipe, this pathogen was detected by direct plating (≥ 1.0 log CFU/g) in all products stored at 4 or 10°C for 27 days. L. monocytogenes populations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in potato salad and hummus with no added sodium than in test products with added sodium after storage at 4°C. Sodium concentration did not markedly affect aerobic plate counts over the 27-day storage period. Results confirm that the acidic pH of mayonnaise-based salads and hummus is a major factor preventing growth and influencing rates of inactivation of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes. In the absence of added sodium, death of these bacteria may be more rapid. However, in general decreasing or increasing the sodium concentration in selected delicatessen salad and hummus recipes does not markedly affect the behavior of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes when products are stored at 4 or 10°C for up to 27 days.     

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis,and Listeria monocytogenes on lettuce by hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid and by hydrogen peroxide with mild heat

Iceberg lettuce is a major component in vegetable salad and has been associated with many outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. In this study, several combinations of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide were tested to obtain effective antibacterial activity without adverse effects on sensory characteristics. A five-strain mixture of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes was inoculated separately onto fresh-cut lettuce leaves, which were later treated with 1.5% lactic acid plus 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 40 degrees C for 15 min, 1.5% lactic acid plus 2% H2O2 at 22 degrees C for 5 min, and 2% H2O2 at 50 degrees C for 60 or 90 s. Control lettuce leaves were treated with deionized water under the same conditions. A 4-log reduction was obtained for lettuce treated with the combinations of lactic acid and H2O2 for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis, and a 3-log reduction was obtained for L. monocytogenes. However, the sensory characteristics of lettuce were compromised by these treatments. The treatment of lettuce leaves with 2% H2O2 at 50 degrees C was effective not only in reducing pathogenic bacteria but also in maintaining good sensory quality for up to 15 days. A < or = 4-log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis was achieved with the 2% H2O2 treatment, whereas a 3-log reduction of L. monocytogenes was obtained. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between pathogen population reductions obtained with 2% H2O2 with 60- and 90-s exposure times. Hydrogen peroxide residue was undetectable (the minimum level of sensitivity was 2 ppm) on lettuce surfaces after the treated lettuce was rinsed with cold water and centrifuged with a salad spinner. Hence, the treatment of lettuce with 2% H2O2 at 50 degrees C for 60 s is effective in initially reducing substantial populations of foodborne pathogens and maintaining high product quality.     

Activity of ε–Polylysine Against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes

ABSTRACT: ε–polylysine is a homopolymer of L-lysine, an essential amino acid, with a reportedly wide antimicrobial spectrum. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ε–polylysine, as compared with known preservatives and organic acids, against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes , in culture broth. The compounds tested included ε–polylysine (0.0025% to 0.05%), sodium diacetate (0.25%), sodium lactate (3.0%), lactic acid (0.1%), and acetic acid (0.1%), alone, as well as in combination with ε– polylysine (0.0025% to 0.03%); all treatments were evaluated in tryptic soy broth supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract. Treatments were inoculated (approximately 2 log colony-forming units [CFU]/mL) with 5-strain ( E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium) or 10-strain ( L. monocytogenes ) mixtures of the pathogens. Survival/growth of the inoculated bacteria was periodically monitored during incubation at 4 °C (30 d) and 24 °C (48 h). Bactericidal effects of ε–polylysine were obtained against E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium at 4 °C. At the same temperature (4 °C), ε–polylysine alone or in combination with other compounds tested inhibited growth or was bactericidal against L. monocytogenes. All 3 pathogens were inhibited by ε–polylysine at 24 °C; however, L. monocytogenes was the most sensitive and S. Typhimurium the most resistant. The antimicrobial activity of ε–polylysine against E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium was enhanced ( P < 0.05) when tested in combination with sodium diacetate or acetic acid. Combination treatments with sodium lactate resulted in loss of ε–polylysine activity by the end of the incubation period. Overall, under the conditions of this study, ε–polylysine exhibited antimicrobial effects against the 3 pathogens tested.     

Growth and survival of foodborne pathogens in beer

This work aimed to assess the growth and survival of four foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus) in beer. The effects of ethanol, pH, and storage temperature were investigated for the gram-negative pathogens (E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium), whereas the presence of hops ensured that the gram-positive pathogens (L. monocytogenes and S. aureus) were rapidly inactivated in alcohol-free beer. The pathogens E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium could not grow in the mid-strength or full-strength beers, although they could survive for more than 30 days in the mid-strength beer when held at 4°C. These pathogens grew rapidly in the alcohol-free beer; however, growth was prevented when the pH of the alcohol-free beer was lowered from the "as received" value of 4.3 to 4.0. Pathogen survival in all beers was prolonged at lowered storage temperatures.     

Fate of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium DT104, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Labneh as a pre- and postfermentation contaminant

Commercially pasteurized milk (approximately 2% milkfat) was heated at 85 to 87 degrees C/30 min, inoculated to contain 2,000 to 6,000 CFU/ml of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium DT104, or Escherichia coli O157:H7, cultured at 43 degrees C for 4 h with a 2.0% (wt/wt) commercial yogurt starter culture, stored 12 to 14 h at 6 degrees C, and centrifuged to obtain a Labneh-like product. Alternatively, traditional salted and unsalted Labneh was prepared using a 3.0% (wt/wt) starter culture inoculum, similarly inoculated after manufacture with the aforementioned pathogens, and stored at 6 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Throughout fermentation, Listeria populations remained unchanged, whereas numbers of Salmonella increased 0.33 to 0.47 logs during the first 2 h of fermentation and decreased thereafter. E. coli populations increased 0.46 to 1.19 logs during fermentation and remained that these levels during overnight cold storage. When unsalted and salted Labneh were inoculated after manufacture, Salmonella populations decreased >2 logs in all samples after 2 days, regardless of storage temperature, with the pathogen no longer detected in 4-day-old samples. Numbers of L. monocytogenes decreased from 2.48 to 3.70 to < 1.00 to 1.95 logs after 2 days with the pathogen persisting up to 15 days in one lot of salted/unsalted Labneh stored at 6 degrees C. E. coli O157:H7 populations decreased from 3.39 to 3.7 to < 1.00 to 2.08 logs during the first 2 days, with the pathogen no longer detected in any 4-day-old samples. Inactivation rates for all three pathogens in Labneh were unrelated to storage temperature or salt content. Unlike L. monocytogenes that persisted up to 15 days in Labneh, rapid inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 and E. coli O157:H7 suggests that these emerging foodborne pathogens are of less public health concern in traditional Labneh.     

Growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes strains in mixed ready-to-eat salads

In this study, a microbiological challenge test in three artificially contaminated retail mixed mayonnaise-based ready-to-eat salads stored at refrigerator temperatures (3 °C and 7 °C) for 48 h was carried out. Shrimp-tomato salad, smoked ham salad and garlic cheese salad were separately contaminated by a suspension of particular Listeria monocytogenes strains. The number of L. monocytogenes, Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci and total plate count (CFU/g) was determined. Listeria monocytogenes growth potential in the salads was calculated and evaluated.A significant increase in total plate count and L. monocytogenes count throughout storage of all three investigated salads was found. Enterobacteriaceae levels were high at the beginning in all salads but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased throughout the experiment depending on the temperature.All investigated L. monocytogenes strains demonstrated growth at both temperatures but expressed different growth potential. Especially garlic cheese salad and smoked ham salad were able to support the growth of Listeria. Shrimp-tomato salad supported growth the least. The growth potential increased with the increasing temperature and exceeded 0.5 log₁₀ CFU/g in many cases. If the potential for growth is > 0.5 log₁₀ CFU/g, food products can potentially endanger human health. Reference strain (ATCC 7644) showed the least growth potential almost in all cases in comparison with strains isolated from frozen pollock loins and from thermally treated specialty sausage containing preservatives. To eliminate the occurrence of microbiological risks, the shelf-life of the studied salads was estimated.     

Development of antimicrobial films for microbiological control of packaged salad

The aim of the present work was to characterize the antimicrobial efficiency of films consisting of PP/EVOH structures with oregano essential oil and citral. Both substances are known for their antimicrobial activity based on their interaction with the cell membrane. The films developed were used to pack minimally processed salads, combining modified atmosphere technology to extend shelf-life and active packaging technology to reduce possible microbiological risks. The antimicrobial activity of the films against the pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes and natural microflora was investigated "in vitro" and also on the food itself. The effect of release of the antimicrobial agent on the sensory characteristics of the salad was also studied. The results showed that antimicrobial activity reduced spoilage flora on the salad as well as inhibited the growth of pathogens in contaminated salads. This effect was greater against Gram-negative bacteria. Sensory studies showed that the package that was most effective and most accepted by customers was the one containing 5% oregano essential oil.     

Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium DT 104, and Listeria monocytogenes in fresh meat decontamination fluids at 4 and 10 degrees C.

Bacterial pathogens may colonize meat plants and increase food safety risks following survival, stress hardening, or proliferation in meat decontamination fluids (washings). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium DT 104, and Listeria monocytogenes to survive or grow in spray-washing fluids from fresh beef top rounds sprayed with water (10 or 85 degrees C) or acid solutions (2% lactic or acetic acid, 55 degrees C) during storage of the washings at 4 or 10 degrees C in air to simulate plant conditions. Inoculated Salmonella Typhimurium DT 104 (5.4 +/- 0.1 log CFU/ml) died off in lactate (pH 2.4 +/- 0.1) and acetate (pH 3.1 +/- 0.2) washings by 2 days at either storage temperature. In contrast, inoculated E. coli O157:H7 (5.2 +/- 0.1 log CFU/ml) and L. monocytogenes (5.4 +/- 0.1 log CFU/ml) survived in lactate washings for at least 2 days and in acetate washings for at least 7 and 4 days, respectively; their survival was better in acidic washings stored at 4 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. All inoculated pathogens survived in nonacid (pH > 6.0) washings, but their fate was different. E. coli O157:H7 did not grow at either temperature in water washings, whereas Salmonella Typhimurium DT 104 failed to multiply at 4 degrees C but increased by approximately 2 logs at 10 degrees C. L. monocytogenes multiplied (0.6 to 1.3 logs) at both temperatures in water washings. These results indicated that bacterial pathogens may survive for several days in acidic, and proliferate in water, washings of meat, serving as potential cross-contamination sources, if pathogen niches are established in the plant. The responses of surviving pathogens in meat decontamination waste fluids to acid or other stresses need to be addressed to better evaluate potential food safety risks.     

Performance of a growth-no growth model for Listeria monocytogenes developed for mayonnaise-based salads: influence of strain variability, food matrix, inoculation level, and presence of sorbic and benzoic acid

A previously developed growth-no growth model for Listeria monocytogenes, based on nutrient broth data and describing the influence of water activity (a(w)), pH, and acetic acid concentrations, was validated (i) for a variety of L. monocytogenes strains and (ii) in a laboratory-made, mayonnaise-based surimi salad (as an example of a mayonnaise-based salad). In these challenge tests, the influence of the inoculation level was tested as well. Also, the influence of chemical preservatives on the growth probability of L. monocytogenes in mayonnaise-based salads was determined. To evaluate the growth-no growth model performance on the validation data, four quantitative criteria are determined: concordance index, % correct predictions, % fail-dangerous, and % fail-safe. First, the growth probability of 11 L. monocytogenes strains, not used for model development, was assessed in nutrient broth under conditions within the interpolation region. Experimental results were compared with model predictions. Second, the growth-no growth model was assessed in a laboratory-made, sterile, mayonnaise-based surimi salad to identify a possible model completeness error related to the food matrix, making use of the above-mentioned validation criteria. Finally, the effect on L. monocytogenes of common chemical preservatives (sorbic and benzoic acid) at different concentrations under conditions typical of mayonnaise-based salads was determined. The study showed that the growth-no growth zone was properly predicted and consistent for all L. monocytogenes strains. A larger prediction error was observed under conditions within the transition zone between growth-no growth. However, in all cases, the classification between no growth (P = 0) and any growth (P > 0) occurred properly, which is most important for the food industry, where outgrowth needs to be prevented in all instances. The results in the sterile mayonnaise-based salad showed again that the growth-no growth zone was well predicted but that also, in real food systems, a transition zone between growth and no growth exists. This became even more obvious for lower inoculation levels. The maximum-allowed concentration of benzoic and sorbic acid in mayonnaise-based salads, according to the European Union legislation, eliminated the growth of L. monocytogenes. Concentrations of 600 and 300 ppm were already sufficient to inhibit growth at 7 and 4 degrees C, respectively, under conditions associated with mayonnaise-based salads (pH 5.6; a(w), 0.985).     

Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory changes during ripening and storage of Xinotyri, a traditional Greek cheese from raw goat's milk

Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics, evolution of lipolysis monitored by measuring acid degree value (ADV) and the main mineral elements were studied during ripening and storage of artisanal Xinotyri cheese from raw goat's milk. Cheeses were characterized by a high content in total solids (TS; 83%) and fat (59% of TS), and very low pH (4.0), water activity (0.87) and moisture (17%). Protein and salt contents at the end of storage were 31% and 2.8%, respectively. Lipolysis increased, while variations in mineral (Ca, P, Mg and Zn) content were found during ripening and storage. Cheeses were free of Salmonella and Listeria in 25 g, while enterobacteria, pseudomonads, and coagulase-positive staphylococci were < 100 cfu/g. Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria increased above 8 log cfu/g by day 6, but declined by 2–3 logs in the ripened cheese (45 days) and by 3–4 logs during cheese storage at 4°C for up to 180 days.     

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in and on vacuum packaged Lebanon bologna stored at 3.6 and 13.0 degrees C.

Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, or Listeria monocytogenes was spread onto the surface of Lebanon bologna luncheon slices using sterile glass rods. The inoculated slices were stacked and vacuum packaged. The packages were stored at 3.6 or 13 degrees C. The foodborne pathogens. E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, or L. monocytogenes were reduced in Lebanon bologna during storage at 3.6 or 13 degrees C. The higher storage temperature (13.0 degrees C) resulted in significantly faster destruction of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes, compared to storage at refrigeration temperature (3.6 degrees C) (P < 0.005). E. coli O157:H7 was the most resistant to destruction among the three foodborne pathogens. A linear destruction of E. coli O157:H7 occurred only after an initial lag period. Storage temperature did not have a significant effect on the rate of destruction of Salmonella Typhimurium. Foodborne pathogens inoculated prior to fermentation did not show any enhanced survival compared to control cells (inoculated after fermentation) during storage of the Lebanon bologna at 3.6 degrees C.     

Microbiological safety of mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sauces produced in the United States: a review

The literature on the death and survival of foodborne pathogens in commercial mayonnaise, dressing, and sauces was reviewed and statistically analyzed with emphasis on Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes. The absence of reports of foodborne illness associated directly with the consumption of commercially prepared acidic dressings and sauces is evidence of their safety. Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia enterocolitica die when inoculated into mayonnaise and dressings. Historically, mayonnaise and dressings have been exempt from the acidified food regulations and have justly deserved this status due primarily to the toxic effect of acetic and to a lesser extent lactic and citric acids. These organic acids are inimical to pathogenic bacteria and are effective natural preservatives with acetic being the most effective in killing pathogenic bacteria at the pH values encountered in these products. Statistical analysis on data reported in the literature shows that the most important and significant factor in destroying pathogenic bacteria is pH as adjusted with acetic acid followed by the concentration of acetic acid in the water phase. The reported highest manufacturing target pH for dressings and sauces is 4.4, which is below the 4.75 pKa of acetic acid and below the reported inhibitory pH of 4.5 for foodborne pathogens in the presence of acetic acid. The overall conclusion is that these products are very safe. They should remain exempt from the acidified food regulations providing adequate research has been done to validate their safety, and the predominant acid is acetic and reasonable manufacturing precautions are taken.     

Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in ground beef using lactic acid bacteria and the impact on sensory properties

Studies were conducted to determine whether four strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inhibited Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella in ground beef at 5 degrees C and whether these bacteria had an impact on the sensory properties of the beef. The LAB consisted of frozen concentrated cultures of four Lactobacillus strains, and a cocktail mixture of streptomycin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella were used as pathogens. Individual LAB isolates at 10(7) CFU/ml were added to tryptic soy broth containing a pathogen concentration of 10(5) CFU/ml. Samples were stored at 5 degrees C, and pathogen populations were determined on days 0, 4, 8, and 12. After 4 days of storage, there were significant differences in numbers of both pathogens exposed to LAB isolates NP 35 and NP 3. After 8 and 12 days of storage, all LAB reduced populations of both pathogens by an average of 3 to 5 log cycles. A second study was conducted in vacuum-packaged fresh ground beef. The individual LAB isolates resulted in an average difference of 1.5 log cycles of E. coli O157:H7 after 12 days of storage, and Salmonella populations were reduced by an average of 3 log cycles. Following this study, a mixed concentrated culture was prepared from all four LAB and added to ground beef inoculated with pathogen at 10(8) CFU/g. After 3 days of storage, the mixed culture resulted in a 2.0-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 compared with the control, whereas after 5 days of storage, a 3-log reduction was noted. Salmonella was reduced to nondetectable levels after day 5. Sensory studies on noninoculated samples that contained LAB indicated that there were no adverse effects of LAB on the sensory properties of the ground beef. This study indicates that adding LAB to raw ground beef stored at refrigeration temperatures may be an important intervention for controlling foodborne pathogens.     

Determination of 5-log reduction times for food pathogens in acidified cucumbers during storage at 10 and 25 degrees C

Outbreaks of acid-resistant foodborne pathogens in acid foods with pH values below 4.0, including apple cider and orange juice, have raised concerns about the safety of acidified vegetable products. For acidified vegetable products with pH values between 3.3 and 4.6, previous research has demonstrated that thermal treatments are needed to achieve a 5-log reduction in the numbers of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, or Salmonella enterica. For some acidified vegetable products with a pH of 3.3 or below, heat processing can result in unacceptable product quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the holding times needed to achieve a 5-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica strains in acidified vegetable products with acetic acid as the primary acidulant, a pH of 3.3 or below, and a minimum equilibrated temperature of 10 degrees C. We found E. coli O157:H7 to be the most acid-resistant microorganism for the conditions tested, with a predicted time to achieve a 5-log reduction in cell numbers at 10 degrees C of 5.7 days, compared with 2.1 days (51 h) for Salmonella or 0.5 days (11.2 h) for Listeria. At 25 degrees C, the E. coli O157:H7 population achieved a 5-log reduction in 1.4 days (34.3 h).     

Non-lactic acid, contaminating microbial flora in ready-to-eat foods: a potential food-quality index

The bacteriological profile of 87 samples of commercially available ready-to-eat (RTE) dairy and meat-products, packaged sandwiches and salads was obtained by testing for aerobic colony count, for lactic acid bacterial (LAB) count, for the presence and the extent of non-LAB microflora (contaminating microflora), and by testing for certain food-borne pathogens. The pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and sulfite-reducing clostridia were not detected in any of the analysed samples. Whereas only three samples (3.4%) were deemed unacceptable for consumption for exceeding the established pathogen tolerance levels (for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), several samples were found to contain non-lactic acid contaminating microflora of considerable magnitude. The log10 cfu g(-1) counts for contaminating microflora in the food categories examined were as follows: hard cheeses 4.85 (SD 1.17); semi-hard cheeses 5.39 (SD 1.37); soft cheeses 5.13 (SD 1.03); whey cheeses 6.55 (1.24); fermented meat-products 4.18 (SD 1.48); heat-treated meat-products 3.47 (SD 1.99); salads 3.37 (SD 1.56) and sandwiches 5.04 (SD 0.96). Approximately 1 in every 30 to 80 bacterial cells found on different types of cheeses and salads was a non-LAB microorganism; the respective ratios for fermented meat-products, heat-treated meat-products and sandwiches were 1 in 6, 2.5 and 15. The assessment of the contaminating microflora magnitude at various steps during the manufacture and distribution of RTE foods can serve as an index for monitoring the microbiological quality of the starting materials, the sanitation efficacy during processing and possible temperature abuse during processing, transportation or storage.     

Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in breaded pork patties

ABSTRACT:  Decimal reduction times ( D -values) and thermal resistance constants ( z -values) for 3 foodborne pathogenic bacteria in formulated ready-to-eat breaded pork patties were determined with thermal inactivation studies. Meat samples, inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella , and Listeria monocytogenes cultures or uninoculated controls, were packaged in sterile bags, immersed in circulated water bath, and held at 55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 65, 67.5, and 70 °C for different durations of time. The D - and z -values were determined by using a linear regression model. Average calculated D -values for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella , and L . monocytogenes at a temperature range of 55 to 70 °C were 32.11 to 0.08 min, 69.48 to 0.29 min, and 150.46 to 0.43 min, respectively. Calculated z -values for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella , and L. monocytogenes were 5.4, 6.2, and 5.9 °C, respectively. The results of this study will be useful to food processors to validate thermal lethality of the studied foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat breaded pork patties.     

Interactions of high hydrostatic pressure, pressurization temperature and pH on death and injury of pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive strains of foodborne pathogens

The objective of this study is to determine the interactions between high hydrostatic pressure, pressurization temperature, time and pH during pressurization on death and injury of pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive strains of four foodborne pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus 485 and 765, Listeria ,monocytogenes CA and OH2, Escherichia coli O157:H7 933 and 931, Salmonella enteritidis FDA and Salmonella typhimurium E21274. Among these strains S. aureus 485, L. monocytogenes CA, E. coli O157:H7 933 and S. enteritidis FDA were reported to be more pressure-resistant than the respective strain of the same species (Alpas et al., 1999). In general, viability loss of all pathogens was enhanced significantly as the level of pressure and temperature were increased (P < 0.05). All the strains except S. aureus 485 demonstrated more than 8 log cycle reduction when pressurized at 345 MPa at 50 degrees C for 5 min. This strain seemed to be the most pressure-resistant strain within the conditions of the study. Pressurization in the presence of either citric or lactic acid increased the viability loss by an additional 1.2-3.9 log cycles at pH 4.5 for both acids at 345 MPa. This study has indicated that high hydrostatic pressure applied in conjunction with mild heat and acidity can be an effective method for inactivating pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive strains of four foodborne pathogens in organic acid solutions. This combination treatment indicates possible pressure pasteurization applications to liquid foods that have low pH. reserved.     

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella in juice concentrates

The survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella was studied in apple, orange, pineapple, and white grape juice concentrates and banana puree. Pouches of juice concentrate or puree were inoculated with pathogens at a level > or = 10(3) CFU/g and stored at -23 degrees C (-10 degrees F). Pathogen survival was monitored at 6 and 24 h, once a week for four consecutive weeks, and biweekly thereafter until 12 weeks. When pathogens were not detectable by direct plating, samples were enriched in universal preenrichment broth for 72 h and plated on selective media. Results showed that E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella were recoverable from all five concentrates through 12 weeks of storage at -23 degrees C.