Growth Potential of Listeria Monocytogenes and Staphylococcus Aureus on Fresh‐Cut Tropical Fruits

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and natural microbiota on fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya and pineapple) with commercial PVC film at different storage temperature (5, 13, and 25 °C). The results showed that S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and natural microbiota increased significantly on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 25 °C. Both pathogen and natural microbiota were able to grow on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 13 °C. The maximum population of L. monocytogenes was higher than that of S. aureus on fresh‐cut tropical fruits. L. monocytogenes and S. aureus could survive without growth on fresh‐cut pitaya, mango, and papaya at 5 °C. The population of L. monocytogenes declined significantly on fresh‐cut pineapple at all temperature, indicating composition of fresh‐cut pineapple could inhibit growth of L. monocytogenes. However, S. aureus was still able to grow on fresh‐cut pineapple at storage temperature. Thus, this study suggests that 4 kinds of fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya, and pineapple) should be stored at low temperature to extend shelf life as well as to ensure the safety of fresh‐cut fruits.     

Chlorine dioxide treatment decreases respiration and ethylene synthesis in fresh‐cut ‘Hami’ melon fruit

The effects of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) on respiration and ethylene synthesis of fresh‐cut melon fruit and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. Fresh‐cut ‘Hami’ melon fruit fumigated with gas ClO₂ in sealed container for 12 h and then stored at 5 °C with 95% relative humidity (RH) for 19 days. Results showed that fruit treated with ClO₂ resulted in lower rates of the total respiration, alternative pathway respiration, cytochrome pathway respiration and ethylene production. Furthermore, the expressions of ethylene biosynthesis‐related genes, including CmACS2, CmACO1 and CmACO3 were reduced by ClO₂ treatment. Taken together, it is suggested that ClO₂ treatment might be an effective way to delay ripening of fresh‐cut ‘Hami’ melon, partially due to the reduced respiration and ethylene biosynthesis.     

Predictive Modeling for Growth of Non‐ and Cold‐adapted Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe at Different Storage Temperatures

The aim of this study was to determine the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes, with and without cold‐adaption, on fresh‐cut cantaloupe under different storage temperatures. Fresh‐cut samples, spot inoculated with a 4‐strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes (～3.2 log CFU/g), were exposed to constant storage temperatures held at 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 °C. All growth curves of L. monocytogenes were fitted to the Baranyi, modified Gompertz, and Huang models. Regardless of conditions under which cells grew, the time needed to reach 5 log CFU/g decreased with the elevated storage temperature. Experimental results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the maximum growth rate k (log CFU/g h^?1) and lag phase duration λ (h) between the cultures of L. monocytogenes with or without previous cold‐adaption treatments. No distinct difference was observed in the growth pattern among 3 primary models at various storage temperatures. The growth curves of secondary modeling were fitted on an Arrhenius‐type model for describing the relationship between k and temperature of the L. monocytogenes on fresh‐cut cantaloupe from 10 to 30 °C. The root mean square error values of secondary models for non‐ and cold‐adapted cells were 0.018, 0.021, and 0.024, and 0.039, 0.026, and 0.017 at the modified Gompertz, Baranyi, and Huang model, respectively, indicating that these 3 models presented the good statistical fit. This study may provide valuable information to predict the growth of L. monocytogenes on fresh‐cut cantaloupes at different storage conditions.     

Production of Volatiles in Fresh‐Cut Apple: Effect of Applying Alginate Coatings Containing Linoleic Acid or Isoleucine

One of the main quality parameters in apples is aroma, its main precursors are fatty acids (FA) and amino acids (AA). In this study, alginate edible coatings were used as carriers of linoleic acid or isoleucine to serve as precursors for the production of aroma in cut apples. Apple wedges were immersed in a CaCl₂ solution and coated with one of the following formulations: alginate solution (Alg‐Ca), Alg‐Ca‐low‐level linoleic acid (0.61 g/Lt), (LFA), Alg‐Ca‐high‐level linoleic acid (2.44 g/L; HFA), Alg‐Ca‐low‐level isoleucine (0.61 g/L; LAA), and Alg‐Ca‐high‐level isoleucine (2.44 g/L; HAA). Apple wedges were stored at 3 °C and 85% relative humidity for 21 d and key volatiles were studied during storage. Addition of precursors, mainly isoleucine, showed to increase the production of some key volatiles on coated fresh‐cut apples during storage. The concentration of 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol was 4 times higher from day 12 to day 21 in HAA, while 2‐methyl butyl acetate increased from day 12 to day 21 in HAA. After 21 d, HAA‐apples presented a 40‐fold value of 2‐methyl‐butyl acetate, compared to Alg‐Ca cut apples. Values of hexanal increased during cut apple storage when the coating carried linoleic acid, mainly on HFA, from 3 to 12 d. The ability of apples to metabolize AA and FA depends on the concentration of precursors, but also depends on key enzymes, previous apple storage, among others. Further studies should be done to better clarify the behavior of fresh‐cut apples as living tissue to metabolize precursors contained in edible coatings for the production of volatiles.     

Effectiveness of Hydrothermal‐Calcium Chloride Treatment and Chitosan on Quality Retention and Microbial Growth during Storage of Fresh‐Cut Papaya

Rapid degradation of fresh‐cut papaya limits its marketability. Hydrothermal treatments in combination with a calcium dip, applied to whole fruit before slicing, and also the application of chitosan as a coating film, have been found to have very good results in maintaining the quality of fresh‐cut fruits. Based on these considerations, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal treatment (HT; 49 °C, 25 min) containing calcium chloride (Ca; 1%, w/v) followed by dipping in chitosan (Chit; 1%, w/v, 3 min) on the physical, chemical, and microbial qualities of papaya slices stored at 5 °C for 10 d. Pulp color, firmness, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, β‐carotene, and lycopene were evaluated every 2 d while the microbial quality (mesophilics, psychrophilics, molds, and yeasts) was evaluated every 5 d. Fruit treated with HT‐Ca and HT‐Ca + Chit showed better color and firmness retention than Control and Chit. Papaya slices treated with HT‐Ca + Chit had higher nutritional content and lower microbial growth at the end of storage. The application of the HT‐Ca + Chit could be used to reduce deterioration processes, maintaining physical, chemical, and microbial qualities and increasing the shelf life of fresh‐cut papaya stored at 5 °C.     

Selected Quality Characteristics of Fresh‐Cut Sweet Potatoes Coated with Chitosan during 17‐Day Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACT: Selected quality characteristics of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes (FCSP) coated with chitosan were evaluated during 17‐d refrigerated storage. The FCSP cubes were coated with a solution (1%, w/v) of chitosan having 470 or 1110 kDa. Color (L*, a*, b*) values of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP during storage were generally affected by storage time as well as coating treatments (P < 0.05). No significant changes in color lightness (L*) of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP were observed during the 17‐d storage. During days 3 to 17, 470 kDa‐coated FCSP had significantly higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than did uncoated and 1110 kDa‐coated FCSP. Texture firmness of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP exhibited minimal changes during the 17‐d storage. Although actual weight loss values (%) of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP were not significantly different at day 17, the weight loss difference (%) between day 3 and day 17 for uncoated FCSP (3.02%) was slightly higher compared to those (2.24% to 2.26%) of chitosan‐coated FCSP. The initial total aerobic count was 4.7 log₁₀ CFU/g which then gradually increased to 8.54 and 9.67 log₁₀ CFU/g after 17 d of storage for 470 kDa‐coated and uncoated FCSP, respectively. After day 6, the total aerobic counts of uncoated FCSP were higher than those of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP. The yeast and mold count of chitosan‐coated FCSP was about 2.5 log₁₀ CFU/g at day 17. Overall, consumers could not differentiate between 470 kDa‐coated FCSP at day 17 and uncoated FCSP at day 0.     

施加外源乙烯时机对自发气调贮藏桃果实生理效应的影响

在自发气调(MA)贮藏期间,不同时间(0、15、30d)加入外源乙烯处理(50～80μl/L),研究大久保桃果实的呼吸、乙烯和色素的变化。结果表明,MA贮藏过程中,桃果实的呼吸和乙烯释放很低,而且变化值未表现出高峰,外源乙烯处理诱导了贮藏期和货架期桃果实内源乙烯的释放,增强了果实的呼吸强度;外源乙烯处理时间越早,桃果实的呼吸强度、乙烯释放量高峰出现越早或者峰值越高;外源乙烯处理促进了桃果实果皮叶绿素的降解,抑制了类胡萝卜素的快速下降,使桃果实正常着色。以上结果说明外源乙烯处理对于减轻桃果实低温贮藏冷害具有明显的作用。考虑到外源乙烯减轻低温冷害和促进果实衰老的双重作用,在时间上以贮藏30d时进行外源乙烯处理效果最好。     

Combined Application of Antibrowning,Heat Treatment and Modified‐Atmosphere Packaging to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Lotus Root

This work aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of antibrowning treatments (that is, distilled water [DW], 1% ascorbic acid [AA], 0.5% chamomile [CM], and 1% AA + 0.5% CM) and heat‐treatment (55 °C for 45 s) combined with packaging under 4 different modified‐atmosphere gas compositions (that is, air, vacuum, 100% CO₂, 50% CO₂/50% N₂) on the quality and microbiological characteristics of fresh‐cut lotus root. The quality characteristics (that is, color, weight loss, texture, pH, polyphenoloxidase activity, and total phenolic content) of the AA + CM‐dipped sample in 100% CO₂ packaging were maintained significantly better than those of the other samples (P < 0.05). The microbiological counts observed in the DW‐dipped sample during storage were higher than those of the AA, CM, and AA + CM samples, and heat‐treatment retarded the microbiological deterioration of fresh‐cut lotus root. Therefore, the results revealed that dipping in an antibrowning treatment (AA + CM), and 100% CO₂ MAP with heat treatment effectively extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut lotus root to 21 d at 5 °C.     

E: Food Engineering & Physical Properties. Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Pasteurization on Natural Microbiota,Texture, and Microstructure of Fresh‐Cut Coconut

Abstract: The objective of the present study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO₂) as a nonthermal technology for the pasteurization of fresh‐cut coconut, as an example of ready‐to‐eat and minimally processed food. First, the inactivation kinetics of microbiota on coconut were determined using SC‐CO₂ treatments (pressures at 8 and 12 MPa, temperatures from 24 to 45 °C, treatment times from 5 to 60 min). Second, the effects of SC‐CO₂ on the hardness and microstructure of fresh‐cut coconut processed at the optimal conditions for microbial reduction were investigated. SC‐CO₂ treatment of 15 min at 45 °C and 12 MPa induced 4 log CFU/g reductions of mesophilic microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria, total coliforms, and yeasts and molds. The hardness of coconut was not affected by the treatment but the samples developed an irregular and disorderly microstructure. Results suggested the potential of SC‐CO₂ in preserving fresh‐cut fruits and ready‐to‐eat products. Practical Application: The effectiveness of SC‐CO₂ as a nonthermal technology for the pasteurization of fresh‐cut coconut was studied. The results demonstrated the possibility to apply the treatment as a method to induce the inactivation of the natural microorganisms, preventing the microbial spoilage and, at the same time, preserving the hardness of the product. The available data will give a valuable input to the fresh‐cut fruits industry.     

Effect of short‐term air storage after removal from controlled‐atmosphere storage on apple and fresh‐cut apple quality

BACKGROUND: One of the realities of apple distribution for long‐term stored fruit is that a controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage room will be unsealed and fruit held in air storage and marketed over several weeks. This work was conducted to determine the effect of post‐CA air storage of whole fruit on potential shelf life for fresh‐cut apple slices. RESULTS: Fresh‐cut slices of ‘Spartan’ and ‘Delicious’ apples held in post‐CA air storage for 2 or 4 weeks showed the least changes in cut surface color as compared with those made from apples immediately on removal from CA. Shelf life was most improved by post‐CA air storage in the ‘Spartan’ apples, which were more advanced in maturity as compared with the ‘Delicious’ apples. Internal ethylene concentration, firmness, and respiration changed significantly with post‐CA air storage, suggesting a relationship between physiological status of the whole fruit and shelf life of slices made from that fruit. CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that apples had suppressed physiological activity in CA storage and are susceptible to accelerated deterioration upon cutting. Holding fruit for 2 weeks in air storage allowed recovery of physiological activity, which resulted in greater resistance to deterioration in response to fresh‐cut processing. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd     

Effect of Minimal Processing Conditions on Respiration Rate of Carrots

ABSTRACT: Measurement, analysis, and modeling of respiration rate (RR) of fresh produce are fundamental for the engineering design of MAP. This study investigates the effect of type of cutting (sliced in circular shape, batons in rectangular shape, and shredded into thin strips) on the respiration rate of carrots at different temperatures (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 °C) with ambient atmosphere. The higher respiration rates were found for shredded carrots and the lowest for whole carrots at all the temperatures tested. The RR increased from 9 ± 1 to 26 ± 3, 10 ± 1 to 53 ± 2, 11 ± 1 to 55 ± 2, and 18 ± 1 to 75 ± 3 mL of O₂ per kilogram hour for whole, sliced, baton, and shredded carrots, respectively, as the temperature increased from 4 to 20 °C. On an average, RO₂ and RCO₂ were increased by 85% and 64%, 100% and 72%, and 151% and 124% for sliced, baton, and shredded carrots, respectively, compared to the RR values of whole carrots. The temperature dependence of RR followed an Arrhenius‐type relationship for all types of carrots, with activation energies in the range of 35 ± 3 to 62 ± 2 kJ/mol. Type of cut was the major factor for both RO₂ and RCO₂, with shredded carrots having the highest rates and whole carrots the lowest. RR of whole carrots did not vary during storage, whereas it increased for cut carrots and especially for shredded carrots. The respiratory quotient (RQ) increased with temperature and did not vary during storage in all types of carrots, except the RQ of whole carrots decreased significantly over time.     

Physiological properties of fresh‐cut watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in response to 1‐methylcyclopropene and post‐processing calcium application

Seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb. Mansfeld, cv. Millionaire) fruit were exposed to 10 µL L⁻¹ 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) or air for 18 h. Afterward, the fruit were processed into placental‐tissue pieces, treated with calcium dips (20 g kg⁻¹ CaCl₂) or deionized water, and stored in vented containers for 7 days at 10 °C. At intervals during storage, fresh‐cut placental tissue was monitored for respiration, ethylene production, firmness, electrolyte leakage, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and microbial growth. Ethylene production was below detection in fresh‐cut placental tissue, consistent with the low ethylene production in intact watermelon fruit. Respiration rates were significantly enhanced in response to tissue processing, and continued to increase throughout the 7 days of storage. Tissue derived from 1‐MCP‐treated fruit showed enhanced 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase (ACS, EC 4.4.1.14) activity, suppressed respiratory rates and undetectable levels of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACO) activity during storage. Post‐processing calcium dips (CaCl₂) had little influence on ACS activity relative to tissue not receiving calcium, but significantly enhanced ACO activity and maintained firmness of fresh‐cut tissue throughout storage. The data collectively support the conclusion that 1‐methylcyclopropene treatment of intact watermelon fruit is alone unlikely to benefit the storage duration of fresh‐cut watermelon. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of irradiation on respiration and ethylene production of apple slices

Respiration and ethylene production rates of irradiated apple slices from four apple cultivars were measured for 72 h. Doses less than 1.2 kGy had no effect on rates of CO₂ production and O₂ consumption, and irradiation at doses between 1.2 and 2.4 kGy had minimal effect for all cultivars. Respiratory response of ‘Idared’, ‘Law Rome’ and ‘Empire’ slices to irradiation was curvilinear, with maximum respiration occurring in the 3–6 kGy dose range. Response of ‘Delicious’ slices was linear over the irradiation dose range (0–11 kGy) studied. Respiratory quotient increased with irradiation dose. The degree of maturity of the slices affected respiratory responses. Irradiation reduced ethylene production of all slices. These results suggest that irradiation doses of up to 2.4 kGy can be used with minimum effect on the respiratory physiology of tissues. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combined Effect of Thermosonication and Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water to Reduce Foodborne Pathogens and Spoilage Microorganisms on Fresh‐cut Kale

This study evaluated the efficacy of individual treatments (thermosonication [TS+DW] and slightly acidic electrolyzed water [SAcEW]) and their combination on reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and spoilage microorganisms (total bacterial counts [TBC], Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and yeast and mold counts [YMC]) on fresh‐cut kale. For comparison, the antimicrobial efficacies of sodium chlorite (SC; 100 mg/L) and sodium hypochlorite (SH; 100 mg/L) were also evaluated. Each 10 g sample of kale leaves was inoculated to contain approximately 6 log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7 or L. monocytogenes. Each inoculated or uninoculated samples was then dip treated with deionized water (DW; control), TS+DW, and SAcEW at various treatment conditions (temperature, physicochemical properties, and time) to assess the efficacy of each individual treatment. The efficacy of TS+DW or SAcEW was enhanced at 40 °C for 3 min, with an acoustic energy density of 400 W/L for TS+DW and available chlorine concentration of 5 mg/L for SAcEW. At 40 °C for 3 min, combined treatment of thermosonication 400 W/L and SAcEW 5 mg/L (TS+SAcEW) was more effective in reducing microorganisms compared to the individual treatments (SAcEW, SC, SH, and TS+DW) and combined treatments (TS+SC and TS+SH), which significantly (P < 0.05) reduced E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, TBC, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and YMC by 3.32, 3.11, 3.97, 3.66, 3.62, and >3.24 log CFU/g, respectively. The results suggest that the combined treatment of TS+SAcEW has the potential as a decontamination process in fresh‐cut industry.     

A Comparative Study of Natural Antimicrobial Delivery Systems for Microbial Safety and Quality of Fresh‐Cut Lettuce

Nanoencapsulation can provide a means to effectively deliver antimicrobial compounds and enhance the safety of fresh produce. However, to date there are no studies which directly compares how different nanoencapsulation systems affect fresh produce safety and quality. This study compared the effects on quality and safety of fresh‐cut lettuce treated with free and nanoencapsulated natural antimicrobial, cinnamon bark extract (CBE). A challenge study compared antimicrobial efficacy of 3 different nanoencapsulated CBE systems. The most effective antimicrobial treatment against Listeria monocytogenes was chitosan‐co‐poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (chitosan‐PNIPAAM) encapsulated CBE, with a reduction on bacterial load up to 2 log₁₀ CFU/g (P < 0.05) compared to the other encapsulation systems when fresh‐cut lettuce was stored at 5 °C and 10 °C for 15 d. Subsequently, chitosan‐PNIPAAM‐CBE nanoparticles (20, 40, and 80 mg/mL) were compared to a control and free CBE (400, 800, and 1600 μg/mL) for its effects on fresh‐cut lettuce quality over 15 d at 5 °C. By the 10th day, the most effective antimicrobial concentration was 80 mg/mL for chitosan‐PNIPAAM‐CBE, up to 2 log₁₀ CFU/g reduction (P < 0.05), compared with the other treatments. There was no significant difference between control and treated samples up to day 10 for the quality attributes evaluated. Chitosan‐PNIPAAM‐CBE nanoparticles effectively inhibited spoilage microorganisms’ growth and extended fresh‐cut lettuce shelf‐life. Overall, nanoencapsulation provided a method to effectively deliver essential oil and enhanced produce safety, while creating little to no detrimental quality changes on the fresh‐cut lettuce.     

Effect of initial oxygen concentration and film oxygen transmission rate on the quality of fresh‐cut romaine lettuce

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is widely used to maintain the quality of fresh‐cut produce by matching the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the packaging film to the respiration rate of the packaged product. The effect of the interaction between film OTR and the initial headspace O₂ on quality of fresh‐cut vegetables has not previously been reported. Romaine lettuce leaves were sliced, washed, dried and packaged with film OTRs of 8.0 and 16.6 pmol s^?1 m^?2 Pa^?1, and with initial headspace O₂ of 0, 1, 2.5, 10 and 21 kPa. Packages were hermetically sealed and stored at 5 °C for up to 14 days. For samples packaged in 16.6 OTR film, increasing the initial headspace O₂ concentration delayed O₂ depletion within the packages, hastened the onset and increased the intensity of discoloration, and inhibited the development of CO₂ injury, acetaldehyde and ethanol accumulation, off‐odors and electrolyte leakage. With 8.0 OTR‐packaged lettuce pieces, ≤1 kPa initial headspace O₂ treatments induced an essentially anaerobic environment within the packages and increased acetaldehyde and ethanol accumulation and off‐odor development. Increasing the initial O₂ concentration above 1 kPa in 8.0 OTR packages transiently increased O₂ concentrations and reduced fermentative volatile production, off‐odors, electrolyte leakage and CO₂ injury. Regardless of initial headspace O₂ concentration, all 16.6 OTR‐packaged samples had severe discoloration after 14 days of storage. Quality was better maintained in 8.0 OTR‐packaged lettuce pieces as the initial headspace O₂ concentration was increased. A 21 kPa initial O₂ treatment of 8.0 OTR‐packaged lettuce maintained good quality throughout storage and had the best overall quality score. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

贮藏温度对鲜枸杞生理指标和营养品质的影响

为研究鲜枸杞在不同贮藏温度下的品质损耗规律,将新鲜采收的枸杞果实分别放在4℃和-4℃冷库贮藏21 d,测定并分析生理指标和营养品质的变化。结果表明:-4℃贮藏显著下调鲜枸杞的呼吸速率(呼吸峰值比4℃下调37%)和乙烯产生速率,延缓鲜枸杞硬度下降,并提高商品果率,贮藏末期硬度和商品果率分别比4℃提高21.54%和10.95%;同时,-4℃贮藏的鲜枸杞可溶性固形物、可滴定酸、游离氨基酸和类胡萝卜素含量显著高于4℃,说明鲜枸杞在-4℃贮藏21 d仍保持较好的营养品质。