Inactivation of spoilage yeasts in apple juice by UV–C light and in combination with mild heat

The UV–C resistance of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Dekkera anomala and Dekkera bruxellensis) commonly involved in juice spoilage was investigated. Saccharomyces spp. showed the greatest UV resistance and yeast inactivation decreased with absorptivity of the medium. To improve the UV lethal effect on yeasts in juice, UV treatment was combined with heat (UV–H) (45–60 °C). The inactivation of S. cerevisiae by UV–H treatments between 52.5 and 57.5 °C was greater than use of both technologies individually, suggesting a synergistic effect. Modeling of inactivation data found that a combination of UV–C light with mild temperatures (50–60 °C) produced a 5-log₁₀ reduction of S. cerevisiae in clarified apple juice with lower UV doses (up to a 89.3% of reduction at 57.5 °C) and treatment times (up to 63% of reduction at 52.5 °C) than those needed for UV treatments or heat alone.Industrial relevanceThis investigation demonstrated the lethal efficacy of the combination of UV–C radiation and heat to improve the inactivation of spoilage yeasts in juice. Combined UV–H treatments synergistically increased yeast inactivation, with this approach being less effective than for bacteria. In any case, UV–H at mild temperatures would be an alternative to heat pasteurization treatments, enabling the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria and reducing the concentration of spoilage microorganisms like yeasts, obtaining a safe and stable product at lower temperatures.     

UV-C irradiation as an alternative disinfection technique: Study of its effect on polyphenols and antioxidant activity of apple juice

Ultraviolet (UV-C) irradiation is a non-thermal disinfection method, effective against a range of bacteria and viruses, which is being considered as an alternative to pasteurization of fruit juices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of UV-C irradiation on the polyphenolic content and in-vitro total antioxidant activity of apple juice. UV irradiation doses ranging from 0 to 240 mJ·cm^− 2 were delivered to apple juice and polyphenols, sugars, in-vitro total antioxidant activity and total phenols were profiled. The results demonstrated that UV-C irradiation in apple juices at relevant commercial disinfection doses induced significant reduction in the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, and epicatechin (p < 0.05). The induced changes were relatively minor for the above mentioned polyphenols, except phloridzin (50% reduction) at 240 mJ·cm^− 2. Epicatechin concentrations were reduced significantly (p < 0.05), whereas increase in catechin concentration was observed with increase in UV-C exposure to 240 mJ·cm^− 2. There was a minor reduction in sugar (glucose and fructose) concentrations with increasing exposure levels from 0 to 40 mJ·cm^− 2 (p > 0.05). In contrast, a slight increase in sugar concentrations as increase in UV-C exposure after 40 mJ·cm^− 2 was observed. These changes were not significantly different from control. Total phenolic content was well retained regardless of the UV-C exposure for apple juice. In-vitro total antioxidant activity changed when UV-C exposure exceeded 40 mJ·cm^− 2, but remained unchanged at the maximum UV-C dose of 240 mJ·cm^− 2. These results suggested that UV-C irradiation could be an effective alternative to conventional thermal processing for production of high quality apple juice.Industrial RelevanceThis research paper provides scientific evidence of the potential for UV-C irradiation to achieve meaningful levels of disinfection while retaining important bioactive compounds (polyphenols) in apple juice. In-vitro antioxidant activity and individual polyphenols were well retained at commercially relevant doses of 40 mJ·cm^− 2. From a nutritional perspective, UV-C irradiation is an attractive food preservation technology and offers opportunities for horticultural and food processing industries to meet the growing demand from consumers for healthier food products. Therefore, UV-C irradiated foods could be sold at a premium price to their thermally-processed counterparts, as they have retained their fresh-like properties. This study would provide technical information relevant for commercialization of UV-C treatment of juices.     

Inactivation of food spoilage bacteria and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in phosphate buffer and orange juice using dynamic high pressure

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of dynamic high pressure (DHP) technology to inactivate pathogenic and spoilage microflora in orange juice. Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC 23386 and two orange juice isolates: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium ssp. were subjected individually to different DHP treatments. The effectiveness of DHP treatment was first evaluated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) before application in orange juice samples. The inactivation efficacy of DHP depended on the pressure applied and the number of passes. It was more efficient against Gram-negative strains than Gram-positives. Complete inactivation and 5 log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 were achieved in orange juice at 200 MPa after 5 and 3 passes at 25 °C, respectively. Lower inactivation was obtained with Penicillium ssp. (4 log), S. cerevisiae (2.5 log), L. plantarum (2.3 log) and L. mesenteroides (1.6 log). The gathered results revealed the potential of DHP to inactivate all the tested microorganisms and then, it could constitute a promising alternative technology for cold pasteurization of fruit juices.     

Inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes,Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,and Campylobacter jejuni in ready-to-eat sliced ham using UV-C irradiation

To investigate the applicability of UV-C irradiation on the inactivation of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in ready-to-eat sliced ham, UV-C treatment was evaluated. Irradiation dose required for 90% reduction of the populations of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni were determined to be 2.48, 2.39, and 2.18 J/m². Ready-to-eat sliced hams were inoculated with the pathogens and irradiated with UV-C light of 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 J/m². Microbiological data indicated that foodborne pathogen populations significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing UV-C irradiation. In particular, UV-C irradiation at 8000 J/m² reduced the populations of L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium, and C. jejuni in the ham by 2.74, 2.02, and 1.72 log CFU/g. The results indicate that UV-C irradiation can be used as a microbial inactivation method for ready-to-eat sliced ham, and inactivation kinetics of the foodborne pathogens fit the Weibull model better than the first-order kinetics model.     

UV-C treatment of soymilk in coiled tube UV reactors for inactivation of Escherichia coli W1485 and Bacillus cereus endospores

Coiled tube UV reactors were used to investigate the influence of tube diameter (1.6 mm ID, and 3.2 mm ID) and Reynolds number (Re) to inactivate Escherichia coli W1485 and Bacillus cereus spores in raw soymilk (RSM). Four levels of Re (343, 686, 1029 and 1372) were tested in RSM inoculated separately with each bacterium and treated in the UV reactors at a constant residence time of 11.3 s with UV-C dose of 11.187 mJ/cm² at 253.7 nm. Inactivation efficiency of both microorganisms increased with Re. Maximum reductions of 5.6 log₁₀ CFU/ml of E. coli and 3.29 log₁₀ CFU/ml of B. cereus spores were achieved in the 1.6 mm ID UV reactor. Inactivation efficiency was higher in the 1.6 mm ID UV reactor than the 3.2 mm ID UV reactor for both the organisms. Effect of UV-C light on lipid oxidation of untreated RSM, measured as malondialdehyde and other reactive substances (MORS) content, was much higher (95 nmol/ml) than the UV-treated (58 nmol/ml) and thermally pasteurized (55 nmol/ml) RSM during the storage period of 7 days. The UV-C treatment can be effectively used for reducing E. coli cells and B. cereus spores in soymilk without compromising its quality.     

Inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium and Lactobacillus plantarum by UV-C light in flour powder

This research evaluates the potential use of ultraviolet C light (UV-C) as a decontamination method for powdered foods, particularly of refined flour. This technology's lethal effectiveness was evaluated on Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serotype Typhimurium and Lactobacillus plantarum in wheat flour, and in laboratory liquid media of different a_w and turbidities to evaluate the action mechanisms of UV-C light in powdered products. Initial results showed a large variability of lethality in flour, obtaining between 0.2 and 3.0 log₁₀ cycles of inactivation. Results obtained in laboratory media and SEM analysis of contaminated flour indicated that the variability was due to a shadow effect on the efficacy of UV-C light and not due to the low water a_w of the flour or starch content. Based on these conclusions, a 2-m vertical tunnel with twelve 480 W UV-C lamps was designed to treat flour by forming a continuous cloud of dust (0.05–2.4 kg/h). Inactivation levels of 4.0 to 1.7 log₁₀ cycles of the population of L. plantarum in flour were achieved at flow rates of 0.2 and 2.4 kg/h respectively, with a maximum residence time of 4 s.Industrial relevanceThis investigation demonstrated the lethal efficacy of the application of UV–C light to inactivate microorganisms, both pathogenic and spoilage, present in flour. 4-log10 cycles of inactivation of both Salmonella Typhimurium and Lactobacillus plantarum were inactivated with UV-C treatments. A UV-C facility was built up which enabled to treat flour in continuous conditions creating a cloud of dust with treatments of 4 s and lethalities of 4-log10 reductions.     

Competitive interactions inside mixed-culture biofilms of Salmonella Typhimurium and cultivable indigenous microorganisms on lettuce enhance microbial resistance of their sessile cells to ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiation

Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) is one of the leading causes of foodborne diseases in fresh produce, such as lettuce. Despite this, the role of the possible interactions between lettuce indigenous microorganisms and ST on their ability to form biofilm on lettuce and subsequently on the sensitivity of their sessile cells to ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiation, remains relatively unexplored. Here, the interaction of a mixed-culture of ST and cultivable indigenous microorganisms (CIMs) was examined, as well as the efficacy of UV-C. Initially, the CIMs were isolated and cultured with ST at 15 °C either planktonically or left to form biofilms on stainless steel (SS) and lettuce leaves. Microbial growth, biofilm formation, and survival following UV-C treatment were monitored using traditional plate count methods while biofilm formation, production of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and stomatal colonization were also observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Internalization strength, color, and texture were analyzed by standard methods. Results revealed that the mixed-culture of ST and CIMs presented significantly (p < 0.05) decreased biofilm formation on lettuce leaves compared to mono-cultures (i.e. ST or CIMs alone), which indicated competitive interaction between them, while no interactions were observed for biofilms on SS and for the planktonic cultures. It was also demonstrated that a mixed-culture biofilm on lettuce presented significantly higher resistance (p < 0.05) to UV-C treatment compared to mono-culture biofilms, but such an effect was not observed for biofilms formed on SS and for the planktonic cultures. The Weibull model fitted well to microbial inactivation curves with R² values that ranged from 0.90 to 0.97. Regarding the mixed-culture conditions, a UV-C fluency of 35 mJ/cm² was required to achieve a 5.0 log CFU/mL or cm² reduction in planktonic and biofilms on the SS for the mixed-culture, while 360 mJ/cm² was required to reduce biofilm cell number by approximately 2.0 log CFU/cm² on lettuce. Furthermore, FESEM analysis indicated higher EPS production, and greater stomatal colonization on lettuce mixed-cultures compared to mono-cultures. Finally, internalization strength was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the mixed-culture on lettuce, thus supporting the notion that internalization in lettuce is a factor that contributes to microbial UV-C resistance. The absence of adverse effects of UV-C on the color and texture of the lettuce suggests it as an alternative means of eliminating ST.     

Reduction effect of the selected chemical and physical treatments to reduce L. monocytogenes biofilms formed on lettuce and cabbage

As people shift their attention away from unhealthy foods, healthy fresh produce has become popular. However, fresh produce has contributed to many outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes, which can form a mature biofilm within 24 h. Recent control strategies have proved ineffective in ensuring safe food production. This study focuses on L. monocytogenes biofilms formed on lettuces and cabbages using a viable plate count method and field emission electron microscopy. We investigated the reduction efficacy of treatment with 200 parts per million (ppm) chlorine, 2% each of citric, lactic, and malic acids, 32 Hz ultrasonication (US), 390 mJ/cm² ultraviolet-C (UV-C), or 750 mJ/cm² cold oxygen plasma (COP) on L. monocytogenes biofilms. Following treatment, the quality of the vegetables was analyzed with standard procedures. UV-C and COP showed the best CFU reduction, regardless of the nature of the vegetable surface, while US failed to produce any significant reduction (P > 0.05). Furthermore, chemical treatments reduced count by < 1 log colony forming unit (CFU)/cm² on lettuces, whereas a > 2 log reduction was observed on cabbages. The effect of chemical treatment largely depended on the particular vegetable, while UV-C and COP achieved high reduction regardless of the vegetable, and had no effect on quality. We, therefore, speculate that UV-C and COP show promise in overcoming L. monocytogenes biofilms on food produce.     

Effect of high pressure carbon dioxide on the quality of carrot juice

The effect of high pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) on the quality of carrot juice was investigated. The L-value of HPCD-treated juices increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to untreated juices, and the a-value exhibited an increase tendency with increasing the treatment time. However, the b-value of HPCD-treated juices did not change. The browning degree (BD) and pH of HPCD-treated juices decreased, the cloud and titratable acidity (TA) increased significantly, the UV–visible spectra of juices were lower, but the total soluble solid (TSS) and the carotenoids of juices were stable. The particle size of juices treated by HPCD for 15, 30 and 45 min increased significantly (P < 0.05), for 60 min showed a noticeable decrease and was almost close to untreated juice. HPCD treatment could not alter the Newtonian flow behavior of the carrot juice, but caused a significant increase in juice viscosity (P < 0.05).Industrial relevanceCarrot juice is one of the most popular vegetable juices, but it requires severe heat treatment for protection from spoilage due to a higher pH, its heat-sensitive quality is inevitably destructed. In this study, HPCD can avoid the drawbacks of the heat treatment as a novel non-thermal pasteurization, available data are provided for the application and evaluation of HPCD in the juice industry.     

Effects of combining ultraviolet and mild heat treatments on enzymatic activities and total phenolic contents in pineapple juice

Ultraviolet (UV) is able to inactivate most microorganisms in fruit juices with a low absorption coefficient but its effect is limited in inactivating undesired enzymes. The aim of this study was to overcome limitation of ultraviolet light (UV) by combining mild heat with UV. Pineapple juice was treated with mild heat (temperature: 50, 55 and 60 °C; holding time: 10, 20 and 30 min) and subsequently exposed to UV (5.61, 7.55 and 11.23 mJ·cm^− 2). The effects of these combined treatments on pectin methylesterase (PME), bromelain activities and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined. Both enzymatic activities were reduced by mild heat but not by UV treatment. Increasing holding time and UV dosage led to higher depletion of TPC. Treating pineapple juice with mild heat at 55 °C for 10 min and UV at 5.61 mJ·cm^− 2 decreased PME by 60.53% whilst retaining 61.57 ± 0.21% and 72.80 ± 0.33% of bromelain and TPC, respectively.Industrial relevanceAs opposed to traditional heat pasteurisation, ultraviolet (UV) treatment has the potential to produce pineapple juice with added value, such as high amount of health benefiting phenols and bromelain. Despite being known for being economically feasible, this technology is not widely adapted by the industry due to its inability to inactivate pectin methylesterase (PME). To overcome the limitation of UV, mild heat (MH) is introduced as hurdle technology. This study demonstrates that combining UV and MH could be able to effectively inactivate the PME in pineapple juice whilst preserving relatively high amount of bromelain and phenols.     

Diversity and probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria isolated from gilaburu,a traditional Turkish fermented European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit drink

The aim of the present study was to characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from traditional fermented gilaburu fruit juice and their probiotic potential. The LAB counts of the fermented gilaburu fruit juice were in the range of 3.92–8.30 log cfu/g. Total of 332 isolates belonging to Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species were characterized from traditional fermented gilaburu juice by genotypic methods. It was also determined that the major LAB strains belong to Lactobacillus plantarum (173 isolates), Lactobacillus casei (52 isolates) and Lactobacillus brevis (24 isolates), while Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus parabuchneri, Lactobacillus pantheris, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Lactobacillus harbinensis were the least in isolated LAB strains. In terms of the probiotic potentials, Lb. plantarum strains were able to grow at pH 2.5, but 3 of Lb. casei strains, one of each Lb. brevis and Lb. buchneri strains could not grow at the same pH. All selected LAB stains were resistant to bile salt at ≤ 0.3% concentration. While all the LAB species grew at 15 °C, two Lactobacillus hordei strains could also grow at 45 °C. The highest cell hydrophobicity degrees were for Lb. casei (G20a) and Lb. plantarum (G19e) as 87.5 and 86.0%, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus were the most sensitive bacteria against the selected LAB strains, while Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant. Again all the isolated LAB species were resistant to three antibiotics; kanamycin, streptomycin and vancomycin. Characterization and probiotic potentials of the LAB isolated from fermented gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice were studied first time, and further research needs to be done on their behaviors in similar food formulations as a probiotic.     

Evaluation of pulsed electric field and minimal heat treatments for inactivation of pseudomonads and enhancement of milk shelf-life

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) treatment of milk provides the opportunity to increase the shelf-life of fresh milk for distribution to distant markets. PEF treatments were evaluated in sterile (UHT) milk to determine the inactivation of added spoilage Pseudomonas isolates and the subsequent gains in microbial shelf-life (time taken to reach 10⁷ CFU mL^− 1). Little inactivation of Pseudomonas was achieved at 15 or 40 °C compared with 50 or 55 °C. The greatest inactivation (> 5 logs) was achieved by processing at 55 °C with 31 kV cm^− 1 (139.4 kJ L^− 1). Heat treatment at the application temperature without PEF treatment caused minimal inactivation of Pseudomonas (only 0.2 logs), demonstrating that the inactivation of the Pseudomonas was due to the PEF treatment rather than the heat applied to the milk. At added Pseudomonas levels of 10³ and 10⁵ CFU mL^− 1, the microbial shelf-life of PEF-treated milk was extended by at least 8 days at 4 °C compared with untreated milk. The total microbial shelf-life of the PEF-treated milk was 13 and 11 days for inoculation levels of 10³ and 10⁵ CFU mL^− 1 respectively. The results indicate that PEF treatment is useful for the reduction of pseudomonads, the major spoilage bacteria of milk.Industrial relevancePseudomonads are the major psychrotrophic spoilage microflora of refrigerated, stored HTST pasteurised milk. Long-life (UHT) products are an important component of milk sales in South-East Asia, but in recent years there has been an increasing demand for less processed milk products with extended shelf-life. The recent practice of shipping fresh bulk milk from Australia to South-East Asian countries has necessitated additional heat treatment prior to export and on arrival, to achieve the required shelf-life. Pulsed electric field treatment of HTST milk, applied alone or in combination with mild heat under optimised conditions, offers the opportunity of shelf-life extension, while limiting the reduction in quality attributes of milk associated with more severe additional heat treatments.     

Change regime of aroma active compounds in response to pulsed electric field treatment time,sour cherry juice apricot and peach nectars,and physical and sensory properties

Regime (direction, amount, rate, and pattern) of change in aroma active compounds was quantified as a function of four pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment times, three fruits, and 10 physical and eight sensory properties using the best-fit multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The PEF treatment times did not deteriorate 94% of the sensory properties and 70% of the physical properties and significantly change 57% of a total of 73 aroma active compounds detected for sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars. The best performing MLR models belonged to 1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene as a function of fruit type, treatment time, and titratable acidity (= 49 mg/L; R_adj² = 95.7%; R_cv² = 94.9%) and to 2-[(2S,5S)-5-ethenyl-5-methyloxolan-2-yl]propan-2-ol as a function of fruit type, and treatment time (SE = 157 mg/L; R_adj² = 98.2%; R_cv² = 98.0%), respectively (n = 48; p < 0.001).Industrial relevancePulsed electric field (PEF) is one of the leading nonthermal food technologies especiallyfor processing of high acid low viscosity foods with satisfactory quality and microbial inactivation. It was shown in this study that PEF with different treatment times can successfully be applied in the pasteurization of sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars with minimum loss of aroma active compounds and sensory and physical properties. Both PEF processing conditions and results can be used as a guide to determine PEF processing parameters for industrial scale processing of juices/nectars.     

Rapid and real-time prediction of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in farmed salmon flesh using near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometric analysis

In this study, hyperspectral imaging working in near-infrared (NIR) region (900–1700 nm) was applied to evaluate surface lactic acid bacteria (LAB) spoilage of farmed salmon flesh during cold storage. Hyperspectral images of salmon samples were acquired at different storage times. Spectral information within regions of interest (ROIs) of images were extracted to relate to reference LAB values measured by standard pour plate method. Least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) algorithm was used to calibrate the full NIR range spectral data, resulting in regression coefficients of prediction (R_P) of 0.929 with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.515. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm was employed to reduce the spectral redundancy and identify the most informative wavelengths (MIWs) most related with LAB prediction across the whole wavelength range. Eight individual MIWs at 1155 nm, 1255 nm, 1373 nm, 1376 nm, 1436 nm, 1641 nm, 1665 nm and 1689 nm were finally selected from the full 239 wavelengths. Based on the selected MIWs, a new optimised model named CARS-LS-SVM was established, leading to R_P of 0.925 with RMSEP of 0.531. At last, the CARS-LS-SVM model was transferred to each pixel of hyperspectral images of samples and colour maps were generated for visualising the LAB spoilage process in salmon flesh. The overall results indicated that NIR hyperspectral imaging is very potential and could be used as a rapid, non-destructive and efficient technique for LAB evaluation in salmon flesh.     

Drying kinetics of grape seeds

Drying of grape seeds representing waste products from white wine processing (Riesling), red wine processing (Cab Franc), and juice processing (Concord) was studied at 40, 50, and 60 °C and constant air velocity of 1.5 m/s. Equilibrium moisture content had a significant effect on the normalized drying curve and was determined for each grape seed at each drying temperature. Effective moisture diffusivity ranged between 1.57 and 3.96 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for Riesling seeds, 2.93–5.91 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for Concord seeds, and 3.89–8.03 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for Cab Franc seeds. The temperature dependence of the effective diffusivity followed an Arrhenius relationship, and the activation energies were 40.14 kJ/mol for Riesling seeds, 30.45 kJ/mol for Concord seeds, and 31.47 kJ/mol for Cab Franc seeds. Three thin-layer models were used to predict the drying curves: Page model, Lewis model, and the Henderson–Pabis model. All three models were found to produce accurate predictions compared to the mass average moisture loss for each grape seed variety (percent error less than 10%), and the Lewis model was shown to be an excellent model for predicting all three grape seed varieties (percent error less than 5%).     

Higher alcohols,diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol biosynthesis in grapes undergoing carbonic maceration

Two grape varieties, Baco Noir and Gamay, were subjected to carbonic maceration (CM) conditions for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days and the levels of higher alcohols, diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were determined. Diacetyl was not present in any of the CM juices. Acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were produced in the grapes and their amounts increased as the time of CM increased. On the 15th day of CM, acetoin was 12.6 ± 0.9 mg/l in Baco Noir juice and 3.2 ± 0.1 mg/l in Gamay juice, and 2,3-butanediol was 68.2 ±  3.9 mg/l in Baco Noir juice and 19.9 ± 1.2 mg/l in Gamay juice. 1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol appeared in trace amounts (the highest among them was 3.3 ± 0.0 mg/l) in the CM Baco Noir juices and were not detected in the CM Gamay juices. Based on these results, the sensory contribution of higher alcohols from grape CM would be inconsequential when compared to that from yeast metabolism.     

Pasteurization of carrot juice by combining UV-C and mild heat: Impact on shelf-life and quality compared to conventional thermal treatment

The combination of UV-C radiation and mild heat (UV-H) treatment is a promising strategy for synergistically increasing microbial inactivation in low UV-transmitting juices. In this research, we explored the suitability of UV-H treatment in carrot juice pasteurization and its impact on juice quality during shelf-life compared to that of thermal pasteurization. UV-H treatment at 60 °C (3.92 J/mL, 3.6 min) enabled reductions of over 5 log₁₀ cycles in the reference pathogens and a significant reduction in spoilage yeasts, bacteria, and bacterial spores. The activity of pectin methylesterase and polyphenol oxidase was reduced by UV-H treatment to levels close to those of low-temperature pasteurization (60 °C/18.1 min). The native population of total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds of UV-H-treated juice remained undetectable during 29 days of cold storage. Furthermore, viscosity, cloud stability, and the color of fresh juice were better preserved by UV-H treatment than by thermal pasteurization throughout storage.Industrial relevanceThis study demonstrates that UV-H treatment is a beneficial alternative to conventional thermal processing in carrot juice pasteurization, since appropriate inactivation levels of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms can be reached while better preserving the quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf-life.     

Conjunctival UV autofluorescence – Prevalence and risk factors

PurposeAutofluorescence of ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to occur in localised areas of the bulbar conjunctiva, which map to active cellular changes due to UV and environmental exposure. This study examined the presence of conjunctival UV autofluorescence in eye care practitioners (ECPs) across Europe and the Middle East and its associated risk factors.MethodImages were captured of 307 ECPs right eyes in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Kuwait, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom using a Nikon D100 camera and dual flash units through UV filters. UV autofluorescence was outlined using ImageJ software and the nasal and temporal area quantified. Subjects were required to complete a questionnaire on their demographics and lifestyle including general exposure to UV and refractive correction.ResultsAverage age of the subjects was 38.5 ± 12.2 years (range 19–68) and 39.7% were male. Sixty-two percent of eyes had some conjunctival damage as indicated by UV autofluorescence. The average area of damage was higher (p = 0.005) nasally (2.95 ± 4.52 mm²) than temporally (2.19 ± 4.17 mm²). The area of UV damage was not related to age (r = 0.03, p = 0.674), gender (p = 0.194), self-reported sun exposure lifestyle (p > 0.05), geographical location (p = 0174), sunglasses use (p > 0.05) or UV-blocking contact lens use (p > 0.05), although it was higher in those wearing contact lenses with minimal UV-blocking and no spectacles (p = 0.015). The area of UV damage was also less nasally in those who wore contact lenses and spectacles compared to those with no refractive correction use (p = 0.011 nasal; p = 0.958 temporal).ConclusionUV conjunctival damage is common even in Europe, Kuwait and UAE, and among ECPs. The area of damage appears to be linked with the use of refractive correction, with greater damage nasally than temporally which may be explained by the peripheral light focusing effect.     

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Galotyri,a traditional Greek soft acid-curd cheese,stored aerobically at 4°C and 12°C

Galotyri is a traditional Greek soft acid-curd cheese, which is made from ewes’ or goats’ milk and is consumed fresh. Because cheese processing may allow Listeria monocytogenes post-process contamination, this study evaluated survival of the pathogen in fresh cheese during storage. Portions (0.5 kg) of two commercial types (<2% salt) of Galotyri, one artisan (pH 4.0±0.1) and the other industrial (pH 3.8±0.1), were inoculated with ca. 3 or 7 log cfu g⁻¹ of a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes and stored aerobically at 4°C and 12°C. After 3 days, average declines of pathogen's populations (PALCAM agar) were 1.3–1.6 and 3.7–4.6 log cfu g⁻¹ in cheese samples for the low and high inocula, respectively. These declines were independent (P>0.05) of the cheese type or the storage temperature. From day 3, however, declines shifted to small or minimal to result in 1.4–1.8 log cfu g⁻¹ of survivors at 28 days of storage of all cheeses at 4°C, indicating a strong “tailing” independent of initial level of contamination. Low (1.2–1.7 log cfu g⁻¹) survival of L. monocytogenes also occurred in cheeses at 12°C for 14 days, which were prone to surface yeast spoilage. When ca. 3 log cfu g⁻¹ of L. monocytogenes were inoculated in laboratory scale prepared Galotyri of pH ≅4.4 and ≅3% salt, the pathogen died off at 14 and 21 days at 12°C and 4°C, respectively, in artisan type cheeses fermented with the natural starter. In contrast, the pathogen survived for 28 days in cheeses fermented with the industrial starter. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes cannot grow but may survive during retail storage of Galotyri despite its low pH of or slightly below 4.0. Although contamination of Galotyri with L. monocytogenes may be expected low (<100 cfu g⁻¹) in practice, that long-term survival of the pathogen in commercial cheeses was shown to be unaffected by the artificial contamination level (3 or 7 logs) and the storage temperature (4°C or 12°C), which should be a concern.