Inactivation of Salmonella spp. in liquid whole egg using pulsed electric fields, heat, and additives

This paper evaluates the lethal effectiveness on 7 different Salmonella serovars of the application, in static and continuous conditions, of pulsed electric fields (PEF) followed by heat treatments in liquid whole egg (LWE) with additives (EDTA or triethyl citrate-TC-). Compared to heat treatments, the PEF (25 kV/cm and 75-100 kJ/kg) followed by heat (52°C/3.5', 55°C/2', or 60°C/1') in LWE with 2% TC permitted the reduction of heat treatment time from 92 fold at 52°C to 3.4 fold at 60°C, and 4.8 fold at 52°C in LWE with EDTA for a 9-Log(10) reduction of the population of Salmonella Enteritidis. The new designed treatments inactivated more than 5 Log(10) cycles of Salmonella serovars Dublin, Enteritidis 4300, Enteritidis 4396, Typhimurium, Typhi, Senftenberg, and Virchow, both in static and continuous conditions. Conversely, current heat pasteurization treatments of 60°C/3.5' and 64°C/2.5' reduced 5 Log(10) cycles of various serovars of Salmonella but only 2 and 3-4 Log(10) cycles of Salmonella Senftenberg and Salmonella Enteritidis 4396, respectively. Soluble protein content (SPC) decreased 1.8%, 1.3%, and 5.0% after the successive application of PEF followed by heat at 52, 55, and 60°C in the presence of 2% TC, respectively, whereas 1.6% and 9.4% of SPC were reduced after heat pasteurization at 60 and 64°C, respectively. Results indicate that designed treatments could be an alternative to current heat pasteurization of LWE as showed higher lethal effectiveness against Salmonella serovars with a similar or even lower decrement of the soluble protein content.     

Evaluation of pulsed electric fields technology for liquid whole egg pasteurization

This investigation evaluated the lethal efficiency of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to pasteurize liquid whole egg (LWE). To achieve this aim, we describe the inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis and the heat resistant Salmonella Senftenberg 775 W in terms of treatment time and specific energy at electric field strengths ranging from 20 to 45 kV/cm. Based on our results, the target microorganism for this technology in LWE varied with intensity of the PEF treatment. For electric field strengths greater than 25 kV/cm, Salmonella Enteritidis was the most PEF-resistant strain. For this Salmonella serovar the level of inactivation depended only on the specific energy applied: i.e., 106, 272, and 472 kJ/kg for 1, 2, and 3 Log₁₀ reductions, respectively. The developed mathematical equations based on the Weibull distribution permit estimations of maximum inactivation level of 1.9 Log₁₀ cycles of the target Salmonella serovar in the best-case scenario: 250 kJ/kg and 25 kV/cm. This level of inactivation indicates that PEF technology by itself cannot guarantee the security of LWE based on USDA and European regulations. The occurrence of cell damage due to PEF in the Salmonella population opens the possibility of designing combined processes enabling increased microbial lethality in LWE.     

Modeling the thermal inactivation kinetics of heat-resistant Salmonella Enteritidis and Oranienburg in 10 percent salted liquid egg yolk

There is no suitable model for predicting thermal inactivation kinetics of Salmonella spp. for many types of liquid egg products, including salted liquid egg yolk, for use in updating U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pasteurization guidelines. This is because, in part, of the variations in Salmonella strains and the changes in the processing of liquid egg products over the past 40 years. The objectives of the present study were to determine the thermal inactivation kinetics and to create a general thermal inactivation kinetics model that can be used for estimating log reductions of salmonellae in 10% salted liquid egg yolk for temperatures between 62.2 and 69°C. This model can be used by processors to help ensure adequate pasteurization. This was accomplished by studying the inactivation kinetics of a three-strain composite of heat-resistant Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Oranienburg, inoculated into commercially processed 10% salted liquid egg yolk. The survival curves were convex, with asymptotic D-values. From these curves, a general model was developed to predict log reductions for given times at specified temperatures. For example, at a temperature of 67.3°C (153.1°F) for 3.5 min, our model predicts a 5-log reduction would be obtained, whereas with the current USDA minimum required pasteurization regimen (63.33°C [146°F] for 3.5 min), our model predicts that a reduction of only 2.7 log would be obtained. The results of this study provide information that can be used by processors to aid in producing safe, pasteurized egg yolk products, and for satisfying USDA pasteurization performance standards and developing industry guidance.     

Combined effect of high hydrostatic pressure treatment and hydrogen peroxide on Salmonella Enteritidis in liquid whole egg

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatment (HHP) of 250, 350, 450 MPa and hydrogen peroxide additions at different concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1% in liquid whole egg following high hydrostatic pressure treatment at 250 MPa at 20 °C on Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 in liquid whole egg were investigated. At 20 °C for 5 min treatment, 56.63 and 49.38% injury were determined for the treatment pressures of 250 and 350 MPa, respectively. Injury was not detected and total destruction of Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 was obtained for 5 min treatment at 450 MPa. The obtained results indicated that HHP was a more effective treatment than preheating for the enhancement of the effectiveness of H₂O₂. In order to minimize the adverse effect of HHP on food texture, the HHP treatment of 250 MPa was used throughout this study. Therefore, treating with 0.5% H₂O₂ following 5 min HHP at 250 MPa was determined as an effective way of Salmonella Enteritidis destruction in liquid whole egg. The catalase activity retention was determined as 62.26±0.6% after 3.5 min treatment of LWE at 60 °C. A 5-min treatment at 250 and 450 MPa at 20 °C of LWE resulted in a 78.67±2.1 and 65.01±1.8% retention of catalase activity, respectively.     

Modeling inactivation kinetics of food borne pathogens at a constant temperature

Four food borne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes CA and Ohio₂, Salmonella enteritidis FDA and Salmonella typhimurium E21274, Escherichia coli O157:H7 931 and 933, Staphylococcus aureus 485 and 765) were inactivated under mild temperature (60 °C) and their survival curves determined at selected time intervals. Tailing was observed in all survival curves as a monotonic upward concavity. The resulting survival curves were either described by the Weibull or traditional first-order model and goodness of fit of these models was investigated. Regression coefficients (R²), root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation plots suggested that Weibull model produced a better fit to the data than the traditional model. Hazard plots suggested that the Weibull model was fully appropriate for the data being analysed. Although more studies should be carried out to evaluate the applicability of the nonlinear models, the present study has shown that thermal process calculations should most probably be reconsidered. This could lead to a reduction in under- and over-processing of thermally treated foods     

Heat resistance of Listeria species to liquid whole egg ultrapasteurization treatment

The lethality of ultrapasteurization treatments (70 °C/1.5 min.) applied at constant temperature (isothermal condition) and at a constantly raising temperature of 2 °C/min (non-isothermal condition) in liquid whole egg (LWE) against two strains of Listeria monocytogenes (STCC 5672 and 4032) and one of Listeria innocua has been investigated. Isothermal survival curves up to 71 °C were obtained, which followed first-order inactivation kinetics. The obtained D_t values indicated that L. innocua was significantly (p < 0.05) more heat resistant than L. monocytogenes strains. Non-significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed among z values (12.4 ± 0.4 °C, 13.1 ± 0.4 °C and 12.2 ± 0.7 °C for L. innocua and L. monocytogenes 5672 and 4032, respectively). Based on obtained D_t and z values, isothermal ultrapasteurization treatment (70 °C/1.5 min.) would provide 3.5-, 5.0-, and 6.5-Log₁₀ cycles of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes 5672 and 4032, respectively. Non-isothermal heating lag phase increased the thermotolerance of Listeria species in LWE. The simulated industrial pasteurization treatment for LWE (heating-up phase from 25 to 70 °C followed by 1.5 min. at 70 °C) would attain 5-Log₁₀ reductions of L. monocytogenes 5672 and 4032, and 3.7-Log₁₀ reductions of L. innocua. Therefore, the safety level of industrial ultrapasteurization concerning L. monocytogenes could be lower than that estimated with data obtained under isothermal conditions.     

Removal of Salmonella Enteritidis from commercial unpasteurized liquid egg white using pilot scale cross flow tangential microfiltration

Effectiveness of a cross flow microfiltration (MF) process for removal of a cocktail of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis species from commercial unpasteurized liquid egg white (LEW) from a local egg breaking plant, while maintaining its functional properties was evaluated. To facilitate MF, LEW was wedge screened, homogenized and then diluted (1:2 w/w) with distilled water containing 0.5% sodium chloride. Diluted unpasteurized LEW was inoculated with five strains of S. Enteritidis (ATCC 4931, ATCC BAA-708, ATCC 49215, ATCC 49218, and ATCC BAA-1045) to a level of approximately 10⁷ CFU/mL of LEW and microfiltered using a ceramic membrane. Process parameters influencing egg white functional properties and pathogen removal efficiency were evaluated. Average permeates flux increased by almost 126% when pH of LEW was adjusted from pH 8 to pH 7 at 25 °C. Microbial removal efficiency was at least, on average, 6.8 Log₁₀ CFU/mL (limit of detection ≤ 0.5 Log₁₀ CFU/mL). Functional property analysis indicated that the MF process did not alter the foaming power of LEW.     

High pressure treatments on the inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis and the characteristics of beef carpaccio

The effect of high pressure (HP) on Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis in beef carpaccio stored under temperature abuse conditions (8°C) during 30days was investigated. After treatment, reductions of S. Enteritidis were 3.68 and 5.94 log cfu/g in samples pressurized at 450MPa for 5 and 10min, respectively, whereas the pathogen was only detected after enrichment of samples treated at 450MPa for 15min. During storage, counts of S. Enteritidis decreased 0.26 log cfu/g in non-pressurized carpaccio, 1.33 log cfu/g in carpaccio treated at 450MPa for 5min and were only detected after enrichment in carpaccio pressurized at 450MPa for 10 or 15min. Color (L*, a* and b*) varied with pressurization and storage, with higher changes in carpaccio treated at longer pressurization times. Shear resistance was slightly lower in treated samples just after pressurization, but increased at the end of the storage period. Maximum force was less affected by treatment.     

Modeling inactivation kinetics of liquid egg white exposed to UV-C irradiation

The efficiency of UV-C irradiation as a non-thermal pasteurization process for liquid egg white (LEW) was investigated. LEW inoculated with Escherichia coli K-12 (ATCC 25253), pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (NCTC12900) and Listeria innocua (NRRL B33314) were treated with UV light using a bench top collimated beam apparatus. Inoculated LEW samples were exposed to UV-C irradiation of known UV intensity of 1.314 mW/cm² and sample depth of 0.153 cm for 0, 3 5, 7, 10, 13, 17 and 20 min. The populations of E. coli K-12, E. coli O157:H7 and L. innocua were reduced after 20 min of exposure by 0.896, 1.403 and 0.960 log CFU respectively. Additionally, the inactivation data obtained for each strain suspended in LEW was correlated by using Weibull (2 parameter), Log-Linear (1 parameter), Hom (2 parameter) and modified Chick Watson (2 parameter) models. The inactivation kinetics of E. coli K-12, E. coli O157:H7 and L. innocua were best described by modified Chick Watson model with the smallest root mean squared error (RMSE) (R² ≥ 0.92).     

Modeling the irradiation followed by heat inactivation of Salmonella inoculated in liquid whole egg

ABSTRACT:  This study presents mathematical models that describe the inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella Senftenberg suspended in liquid whole egg (LWE) by irradiation followed by heat treatments (IR-H treatments). These models also enable prediction of cell injury in Salmonella after exposure to IR-H. Salmonella viability decreased exponentially (primary model) with heat treating time for all the radiation doses (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy) and temperatures investigated (55, 57, and 60 °C). Two secondary models that related the D_T values (time required to eliminate 90% of viable cells at a given temperature) with radiation dose, heating temperature, and recovery medium after treatments were also developed. The developed final equations enabled to establish the process criterion (combinations of irradiation doses, temperature, and heat treatment times) required to achieve a given reduction ( performance criterion ) in Salmonella spp. suspended in LWE or the cell damage caused by the treatments. Process criteria to obtain the established performance criteria (a 5-log₁₀ reduction) on any of the investigated Salmonella serovars were determined to be, 57.7 °C/3.5 min following 1.5 kGy when treated cells were recovered in tryptic soy agar and 59.3 °C/3.5 min following 0.5 kGy when cells were recovered in tryptic soy agar amended with 3% NaCl. Based on our results, current industrial LWE heat treatments (60 °C/3.5 min) would inactivate 3 log₁₀ cycles of the Salmonella population. The results of this study can be applied to engineering design and for the evaluation and optimization of the IR-H process as a new technique to obtain Salmonella -free LWE.     

High pressure treatments on the inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis and the physicochemical, rheological and color characteristics of sliced vacuum-packaged dry-cured ham

The effect of high pressure (HP) on Salmonella Enteritidis in sliced dry-cured ham stored under temperature abuse (8°C) during 60d was investigated. After treatment, reductions of S. Enteritidis were 1.06, 2.54 and 4.32 log units in ham treated at 400, 500 and 600MPa for 5min at 12°C, compared to non-pressurized samples. After 60d, counts of S. Enteritidis in ham treated at 400 and 500MPa were 2.56 and 2.66 log units lower than in non-treated ham, whereas the pathogen was only detected after enrichment in ham treated at 600MPa. Lipid oxidation increased with storage and pressurization, whereas total free amino acid contents were similar in HP and control samples after 60d. Dry-cured ham treated at the highest pressures exhibited lower shear resistance, whereas the maximum force to compress the sample was slightly changed. Color (L*, a* and b*) varied with pressurization and storage. Changes induced by HP in dry-cured ham were attenuated during storage.     

Effect of preinoculation growth media and fat levels on thermal inactivation of a serotype 4b strain of Listeria monocytogenes in frankfurter slurries

Preinoculation growth conditions and fat levels were evaluated for effects on the heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes strain MFS 102 in formulated frankfurter slurries and on frankfurter surfaces. Comparison of linear inactivation rates (D-values) for cells heated in frankfurter slurry showed that growth conditions were significant (P<0.05) factors affecting subsequent thermal resistance. The average D(60 degrees C)-values for the five preinoculation growth media tested from most resistant to least heat resistant were: tryptic soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSBYE) (2.2 min) and 8.5% fat slurry (2.2 min), followed by 23% fat slurry (1.7 min) and 11% fat slurry (1.7 min), and then TSYBE with quaternary ammonium compounds added (TSBYE+Q) (1 min). The fat level in the frankfurter heating media also had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the thermal death rate of L. monocytogenes. Cells heated in 8.5% fat slurry had a significantly higher (P<0.05) D(60 degrees C)-value (2.2 min) than those heated in 11% fat (1.0 min) and 23% fat slurry (0.9 min). Growth media (TSBYE, 8.5% fat slurry, and TSBYE+Q), and fat level (15% and 20%), however, were not significant factors (P>0.05) affecting thermal inactivation rates on frankfurter surfaces. Heat inactivation rates were consistently higher on frankfurter surfaces compared to similar treatments done in frankfurter slurry. On frankfurter surfaces, a 2.3- to 5.1-log(10) reduction was achieved after 15 min depending on frankfurter surface type. The time necessary to achieve a 3-log(10) reduction using post-processing pasteurization of frankfurters in a hot water-bath at 60 degrees C almost doubled for cells grown in TSBYE and heated in 23% fat frankfurter slurry (19.6 min) versus cells grown and heated in 8.5% fat frankfurter slurry (10.8 min).     

High-throughput method for a kinetics analysis of the high-pressure inactivation of microorganisms using microplates

Using microplates as pressure and cultivation vessels, a high-throughput method was developed for analyzing the high-pressure inactivation kinetics of microorganisms. The loss of viability from a high-pressure treatment, measured based on the growth delay during microplate cultivation, showed reproducibility with the conventional agar plate method and was applicable for the kinetics analysis.     

Thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on catfish and tilapia

Thermal inactivation kinetics of individual cocktails of Escherichia coli O157:H7, or of Salmonella meat isolates or seafood isolates were determined in catfish and tilapia. Determinations were done at 55, 60 and 65 °C using a circulating-water bath and calculated using linear regression analysis. Salmonella seafood and meat isolates D-10 values on the finfish were the same and ranged from 425 to 450, 27.1 to 51.4, 2.04-3.8 s (z = 4.3 °C) at 55, 60 and 65 °C, respectively. The E. coli O157:H7 D-10 values ranged from 422 to 564, 45.2 to 55.5 and 3.3-4.2 s (z = 4.3 °C) at 55, 60 and 65° C, respectively. The only statistical difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found when comparing the D-10 values for E. coli O157:H7 at 55 °C on catfish and tilapia. The other D-10 values for the Salmonella at all temperatures and E. coli O157:H7 at 60 and 65 °C on the catfish or tilapia showed no statistical difference. D-10 values for the catfish and tilapia were significantly lower than the reported values in other food systems, but the z-values were within the literature reported range. These D-10 values can be used to determine cooking parameters of finfish.     

Dynamic predictive model for growth of Salmonella enteritidis in egg yolk

ABSTRACT:  Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) contamination of poultry eggs is a major human health concern worldwide. The risk of SE from shell eggs can be significantly reduced through rapid cooling of eggs after they are laid and their storage under safe temperature conditions. Predictive models for the growth of SE in egg yolk under varying ambient temperature conditions (dynamic) were developed. The growth of SE in egg yolk under several isothermal conditions (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 39, 41, and 43 °C) was determined. The Baranyi model, a primary model, was fitted with growth data for each temperature and corresponding maximum specific growth rates were estimated. Root mean squared error (RMSE) values were less than 0.44 log₁₀ CFU/g and pseudo- R ² values were greater than 0.98 for the primary model fitting. For developing the secondary model, the estimated maximum specific growth rates were then modeled as a function of temperature using the modified Ratkowsky's equation. The RMSE and pseudo- R ² were 0.05/h and 0.99, respectively. A dynamic model was developed by integrating the primary and secondary models and solving it numerically using the 4th-order Runge–Kutta method to predict the growth of SE in egg yolk under varying temperature conditions. The integrated dynamic model was then validated with 4 temperature profiles (varying) such as linear heating, exponential heating, exponential cooling, and sinusoidal temperatures. The predicted values agreed well with the observed growth data with RMSE values less than 0.29 log₁₀ CFU/g. The developed dynamic model can predict the growth SE in egg yolk under varying temperature profiles.     

市售小酥肉中沙门菌热失活模型的建立与验证

目的 研究不同加热温度下小酥肉中沙门菌的热失活规律,以期为安全消费提供指导。方法 将接种10⁸ CFU/g鼠伤寒沙门菌的小酥肉在80℃、90℃、100℃、110℃和120℃,热处理一定时间后活菌计数,使用线性模型、Logistic模型和Weibull模型对小酥肉中沙门菌的热失活规律进行研究,并通过外部实验对模型进行验证。结果 与线性模型和Logistic模型相比,Weibull模型更适用于描述小酥肉中沙门菌热失活状况,其一级模型判定系数R²均在0.992 1以上,二级模型R²分别为0.949 2、0.995 9,用95℃和105℃温度对模型进行验证时的准确度Af、偏差度Bf均在可接受范围内,说明实验构建的模型可较好地描述80℃～120℃温度范围内小酥肉中沙门菌的失活规律。结论 本研究有望为小酥肉安全加热时间提供参考,同时为小酥肉微生物相关风险评估提供模型支持。     

Influence of serotype on the growth kinetics and the ability to form biofilms of Salmonella isolates from poultry

The influence of the serotype on the growth behaviour and the ability to form biofilms of Salmonella enterica strains was investigated. The relationships between biofilm formation and growth kinetic parameters were also determined. A total of 69 strains (61 isolates from poultry and 8 reference strains from culture collections) belonging to 10 serotypes (S. enterica serotype Typhimurium, S. Newport, S. Paratyphi B, S. Poona, S. Derby, S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis, S. Virchow, S. Agona and S. Typhi) were tested. All Salmonella strains produced biofilms on polystyrene micro-well plates (crystal violet assay). Isolates were classified as weak (35 strains), moderate (22), or strong (12) biofilm producers. S. Agona and S. Typhi produced the most substantial (P < 0.001) biofilms. Growth curves were performed at 37 °C in tryptone soy broth by means of optical density (OD_420–580) measurements from 0 to 48 h. Growth kinetic parameters (Gompertz model) varied between serotypes. The maximum growth rate (ΔOD_420–580/h) ranged from 0.030 ± 0.002 (S. Typhi) to 0.114 ± 0.011 (S. Agona). The ability of Salmonella strains to form biofilms was not related to their growth kinetic parameters. The formation of biofilms by Salmonella on polystyrene constitutes an issue of concern because plastic materials are frequently used in food facilities. The findings suggest that special efforts must be made for the effective control of Salmonella in food-processing environments when S. Agona or S. Typhi strains are present.     

Dynamic model for predicting growth of Salmonella spp. in ground sterile pork

A predictive model for Salmonella spp. growth in ground pork was developed and validated using kinetic growth data. Salmonella spp. kinetic growth data in ground pork were collected at several isothermal conditions (between 10 and 45 °C) and Baranyi model was fitted to describe the growth at each temperature, separately. The maximum growth rates (μ_max) estimated from the Baranyi model were modeled as a function of temperature using a modified Ratkowsky equation. To estimate bacterial growth under dynamic temperature conditions, the differential form of the Baranyi model, in combination with the modified Ratkowsky equation for rate constants, was solved numerically using fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The dynamic model was validated using five different dynamic temperature profiles (linear cooling, exponential cooling, linear heating, exponential heating, and sinusoidal). Performance measures, root mean squared error, accuracy factor, and bias factor were used to evaluate the model performance, and were observed to be satisfactory. The dynamic model can estimate the growth of Salmonella spp. in pork within a 0.5 log accuracy under both linear and exponential cooling profiles, although the model may overestimate or underestimate at some data points, which were generally < 1 log. Under sinusoidal temperature profiles, the estimates from the dynamic model were also within 0.5 log of the observed values. However, underestimation could occur if the bacteria were exposed to temperatures below the minimum growth temperature of Salmonella spp., since low temperature conditions could alter the cell physiology. To obtain an accurate estimate of Salmonella spp. growth using the models reported in this work, it is suggested that the models be used at temperatures above 7 °C, the minimum growth temperature for Salmonella spp. in pork.     

The effect of X-ray irradiation on Salmonella inactivation and sensory quality of almonds and walnuts as a function of water activity

The overall goal of this study was to develop a set of process design principles for low-energy X-ray irradiation of tree nuts. Almonds and walnuts were inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 and Salmonella Tennessee, and conditioned to four different water activities (0.23, 0.45, 0.64, and 0.84 a_w). Thereafter, the inoculated/conditioned samples were irradiated to achieve up to a 5-log reduction in Salmonella using a pilot scale low-energy X-ray food irradiator. Greater efficacy (D₁₀-value: the dose required to eliminate 90% of the microbial population) for inactivating SE PT30 and S. Tennessee was seen on the surface of almonds (0.226-0.431 kGy) than on walnuts (0.474-0.930 kGy) at all water activities. Also, the efficacy did not change monotonically with water activity. Overall, no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sensory characteristics was seen between non-irradiated almonds and those irradiated to achieve a 5 log reduction in Salmonella. However, irradiating walnuts to the dose corresponding to a 5 log reduction caused a perceivable change in flavor. Post-irradiation storage tests revealed that surviving bacterial counts did not change over 120 days, regardless of nut type, Salmonella serovar, and a_w. Therefore, low-energy X-ray irradiation technology appears to be a promising non-thermal pasteurization strategy for certain types of nuts.     

Functionality of liquid smoke as an all-natural antimicrobial in food preservation

The smoking of foods, especially meats, has been used as a preservation technique for centuries. Today, smoking methods often involve the use of wood smoke condensates, commonly known as liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is produced by condensing wood smoke created by the pyrolysis of sawdust or wood chips followed by removal of the carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The main products of wood pyrolysis are phenols, carbonyls and organic acids which are responsible for the flavor, color and antimicrobial properties of liquid smoke. Several common food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus have shown sensitivity to liquid smoke in vitro and in food systems. Therefore liquid smoke has potential for use as an all-natural antimicrobial in commercial applications where smoke flavor is desired. This review will cover the application and effectiveness of liquid smoke and fractions of liquid smoke as an all-natural food preservative. This review will be valuable for the industrial and research communities in the food science and technology areas.