Death of Salmonella,Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in garlic butter as affected by storage temperature

Garlic is known to have antimicrobial activity against several spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. However, the fate of Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in garlic butter has not been reported. This study was undertaken to determine the viability of these organisms in garlic butter as affected by the type of raw minced garlic added to the butter, storage temperature, and storage time. Unsalted butter at 40 degrees C was combined with raw minced jumbo, elephant, or small-cloved garlic at a 4:1 butter/garlic ratio (wt/wt), inoculated with mixed-strain suspensions of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, or L monocytogenes, and stored at 4.4, 21, or 37 degrees C for up to 48 h. All pathogens retained their viability at 4.4 degrees C, regardless of the presence of garlic. The addition of garlic to butter enhanced the rates of inactivation of all three pathogens at 21 and 37 degrees C. The most rapid decline in pathogen populations was observed at 37 degrees C. The inactivation of L. monocytogenes occurred more slowly than did that of Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7. The inactivation of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes was more rapid in jumbo garlic butter than in elephant or small-cloved garlic butter. It is concluded that Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes did not grow in unsalted butter, with or without garlic added (20%, wt/wt), when inoculated products were stored at 4.4, 21, and 37 degrees C for up to 48 h.     

COMBINATION WITH PLANT EXTRACTS IMPROVES THE INHIBITORY ACTION OF DIVERGICIN M35 AGAINST LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

ABSTRACT

The susceptibility of 11 strains of Listeria monocytogenes to divergicin M35, a bacteriocin produced by Carnobacterium divergens strain M35, and to aqueous extracts of garlic, onion, oregano, red chili and black pepper at 30 and 10C, was evaluated using a microdilution assay. The susceptibility of divergicin‐resistant strains to combinations of these agents was also evaluated. Three strains were resistant to divergicin M35 (>500 µg/mL) at 30C but were more susceptible at 10C. Garlic gave the most inhibitory plant extract, followed by onion, while oregano, red chili and black pepper extracts were less active at both temperatures. Garlic extract and divergicin M35 combined or with other extracts increased inhibitory activity against the divergicin‐resistant strains. The garlic/divergicin combination was the most effective at inhibiting these strains and was bactericidal at both temperatures. Log‐phase cells were the most susceptible to the garlic/divergicin combination. Stationary‐phase cells were much more resistant at both incubation temperatures. Furthermore, the effect of the garlic/divergicin combination at inhibiting divergicin‐resistant L. monocytogenes in a food system was also studied using cold‐smoked salmon as a food model. Results indicated that this combination could efficiently reduce the viability of L. monocytogenes in smoked salmon stored at 10C.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There is increasing popularity worldwide for chemical preservative‐free, ready‐to‐eat and minimally processed seafood with low salt, fat and sugar content. Bacteriocins produced from lactic acid bacteria can have a potential application to prolong the shelf life of cold‐smoked salmon. Also, plant and spice extracts have been shown to contain antibacterial substances with potential for application in foods. Thus, this research explores the combination of divergicin M35, a bacteriocin produced by Carnobacterium divergens strain M35, and aqueous extracts of garlic, onion, oregano, red chili and black pepper to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes and to prolong the shelf life of cold‐smoked salmon.     

Microbiological survey of retail herbs and spices from Mexican markets

In the present study, 304 samples of herbs and spices (garlic powder, cumin seeds, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaves) widely used in Mexico were analyzed for the presence of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella Typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, total and fecal coliforms, total mesophilic aerobic organisms, and fungi. Samples were nonpackaged or packaged in polyethylene bags or glass containers. High levels (10(5) to 10(7) CFU/g) of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms were found in most of the samples of garlic powder, cumin seed, and black pepper. Lower levels (<102 CFU/g) were found in oregano and bay leaves. Total and fecal coliforms counts were dependent on the type of packaging. More than 70% of the polyethylene-packaged samples had less than 10(3) CFU/g of microorganisms. Glass and nonpackaged spices showed lower levels of these microorganisms. B. cereus was present in 32 samples of which most were polyethylene packaged. The other pathogenic bacteria were not detected. Aspergillus niger was detected in 29% of the samples, Rhizopus sp. in 19%, and Penicillum sp. and Cunninghamella in 8%.     

Validation of a 5-log10 reduction of Listeria monocytogenes following simulated commercial processing of Lebanon bologna in a model system

Recently, numerous product recalls and one devastating outbreak that claimed 21 lives were attributed to Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products. Consequently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service published a federal register notice requiring manufacturers of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products to reassess their hazard analysis and critical control point plans for these products as specified in 9 CFR 417.4(a). Lebanon bologna is a moist, fermented ready-to-eat sausage. Because of undesirable quality changes. Lebanon bologna is often not processed above 48.9 degrees C (120 degrees F). Therefore, the present research was conducted to validate the destruction of L. monocytogenes in Lebanon bologna batter in a model system. During production, fermentation of Lebanon bologna to pH 4.7 alone significantly reduced L. monocytogenes by 2.3 log10 CFU/g of the sausage mix (P < 0.01). Heating the fermented mix to 48.9 degrees C in 10.5 h destroyed at least 7.0 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes per g of sausage mix. A combination of low pH (5.0 or lower) and high heating temperatures (> or =43.3 degrees C, 115 degrees F) destroyed more than 5 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes per g of sausage mix during the processing of Lebanon bologna. In conclusion, an existing commercial process, which was validated for destruction of Escherichia coli O157:H7, was also effective for the destruction of more than 5 log10 CFU of L. monocytogenes.     

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.     

Thermal inactivation of stationary-phase and acid-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in fruit juices

The heat resistance of stationary-phase and acid-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica (serotypes Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Gaminara, Rubislaw, and Hartford), and Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in single-strength apple. orange, and white grape juices adjusted to pH 3.9. The heat resistance increased significantly (P < 0.05) after acid adaptation. Salmonella had an overall lower heat resistance than the other pathogens. Acid-adapted E. coli O157:H7 presented the highest heat resistance in all juices at the temperatures tested, with lower z-values than Salmonella and L. monocytogenes. The heat resistance (D(60 degrees C)-values) of all three pathogens, assessed in tryptic soy broth adjusted to different pH values, increased above pH 4.0. From the results obtained in this study, one example of a treatment that will inactivate 5 logs of vegetative pathogens was calculated as 3 s at 71.1 degrees C (z-value of 5.3 degrees C). Normal processing conditions calculated for hot-filled, shelf-stable juices achieve a lethality in excess of 50,000 D for all three pathogens.     

Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium DT104, and Listeria monocytogenes in dark cutting beef at 10 or 22 degrees C.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of the dark, firm, and dry (DFD) condition of beef on growth of the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in ground beef. Longissimus muscles from a DFD carcass (pH = 6.45) and normal carcass (N; pH = 5.64) were ground and samples obtained (100 and 0% DFD, respectively). Equal amounts of the 0 and 100% DFD ground samples were mixed to obtain 50% DFD samples. Inoculated 0, 50, and 100% DFD samples were packaged into oxygen-permeable overwrap and stored at 10 degrees C for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and L. monocytogenes Scott A or at 22 degrees C for E. coli O157:H7. Growth characteristics of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and L. monocytogenes Scott A did not differ (P > 0.05) between 0 and 100% DFD. Results indicated that the DFD beef used in this study was no more susceptible to growth of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, or L. monocytogenes Scott A than N beef.     

Comparison of four commercial DNA extraction kits for PCR detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus aureus in fresh, minimally processed vegetables

Four commercial DNA extraction methods, PrepMan Ultra (Applied Biosystems), InstaGene Matrix (BioRad), DNeasy Tissue kit (Qiagen), and UltraClean (MoBio), were tested for PCR detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus in fresh, minimally processed vegetables. For comparative purposes, sensitivity assays with specific PCRs were carried out after DNA extraction with the four methods in green pepper, broccoli, and onion artificially inoculated with the four pathogens separately. As confirmed by statistical analysis, the DNeasy Tissue kit rendered the highest sensitivity values in the three matrices assayed for Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7 and in onion for S. aureus. Despite being the most expensive of the methods compared, the DNeasy Tissue Kit can be successfully applied for any of the four most commonly studied pathogens, thus saving time and overall reducing the cost of the analysis.     

Antibacterial Effects of Allspice, Garlic, and Oregano Essential Oils in Tomato Films Determined by Overlay and Vapor-Phase Methods

ABSTRACT:  Physical properties as well as antimicrobial activities against  Escherichia coli  O157:H7,  Salmonella enterica , and  Listeria monocytogenes  of allspice, garlic, and oregano essential oils (EOs) in tomato puree film-forming solutions (TPFFS) formulated into edible films at 0.5% to 3% (w/w) concentrations were investigated in this study. Antimicrobial activities were determined by 2 independent methods: overlay of the film on top of the bacteria and vapor-phase diffusion of the antimicrobial from the film to the bacteria. The results indicate that the antimicrobial activities against the 3 pathogens were in the following order: oregano oil > allspice oil > garlic oil.  Listeria monocytogenes  was less resistant to EO vapors, while  E. coli  O157:H7 was more resistant to EOs as determined by both overlay and vapor-phase diffusion tests. The presence of plant EO antimicrobials reduced the viscosity of TPFFS at the higher shear rates, but did not affect water vapor permeability of films. EOs increased elongation and darkened the color of films. The results of the present study show that the 3 plant-derived EOs can be used to prepare tomato-based antimicrobial edible films with good physical properties for food applications by both direct contact and indirectly by vapors emanating from the films.     

复合发酵剂和天然香辛料对羊肉发酵香肠品质特性的影响

通过接种复合发酵剂和添加天然香辛料,采用相同的工艺条件生产4组羊肉发酵香肠,1组为对照组,2组为接种发酵剂组,3组为发酵剂+黑胡椒组,4组为发酵剂+黑胡椒+孜然组。分别测定4个组羊肉发酵香肠在发酵成熟和贮藏过程中pH值、Aw值、水分含量及微生物的变化。结果表明:在发酵结束(即第1.5天)时,试验组和对照组的pH值、Aw值和水分含量均呈下降趋势,试验组的pH值迅速降到最低值(即5.0以下),与对照组差异显著(P<0.05);在干燥成熟过程中,试验组的pH值、Aw值和水分含量迅速下降,添加香辛料组的pH值迅速回升,同时乳酸菌数维持在108cfu/g以上水平,高于对照组,细菌总数却低于对照组;在贮藏过程中,试验组的pH值和水分含量基本保持不变,且均低于对照组,而Aw值始终呈下降趋势,细菌总数小于对照组。上述结果表明,接种复合发酵剂和添加天然香辛料能迅速降低pH值、Aw值和水分含量,有效抑制腐败菌和致病菌的生长,提高羊肉发酵香肠的品质和保藏性。     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of natural extracts in vitro and in ground beef

Inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes by grape seed extract (ActiVin) and pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) and the effect of these natural extracts on the oxidative stability of raw ground beef were studied. In an agar dilution test, the MICs of ActiVin and Pycnogenol were determined to be 4.0 mg/ml for 4.43 log CFU per plate of E. coli O157:H7 and 4.0 mg/ml for 4.38 log CFU per plate of L. monocytogenes. In an inhibition curve test, populations of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes fell to below the detection limit (10 CFU/ml) after 16 h of incubation. The numbers of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium declined by 1.08, 1.24, and 1.33 log CFU/g, respectively, in raw ground beef treated with 1% Pycnogenol after 9 days of refrigerated storage. ActiVin (1%) and oleoresin rosemary (1%) resulted in an approximately 1-log CFU/g reduction in the populations of all three pathogens after 9 days. The addition of 1% ActiVin and Pycnogenol contributed to the maintenance of an acidic pH of 5.80 and 5.58, respectively, in raw ground beef. Compared to the control, all treatments increased in L* (lightness), with the exception of ActiVin. ActiVin and oleoresin rosemary had the highest a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values, respectively. ActiVin most effectively retarded lipid oxidation, followed by Pycnogenol. The results suggest that these natural extracts have potential to be used with other preservative methods to reduce pathogenic numbers, lipid oxidation, and color degradation in ground beef.     

The effects of sodium lactate and starter cultures on pH, lactic acid bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. levels in pure chicken dry fermented sausage

Two starter cultures (A and B) and seven sodium lactate concentrations were evaluated for chicken raw dry-fermented sausage processing. Starter culture B contained more lactic acid bacteria and less staphylococci than starter A. Their effects on acidification and inhibition of pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.) were monitored. Starter culture B grew faster and was less inhibited by sodium lactate, thus inducting a faster and more important pH drop into the sausages. With lower pH, sausages processed with B starter were less contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. The type of starter was found to influence the end-product pH, lactic acid bacteria content and extent of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. A 30-member panel did not note differences between sausages processed with the different starter cultures when lactate was added. Adding sodium lactate to the sausage mix reduced the pH drop in the dry sausage product. This acidification inhibiting effect of sodium lactate was greater for A. Sodium lactate significantly inhibited lactic acid bacteria development but did not reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination frequency of the batches, unlike in many literature data. Sodium lactate may however control the acidification of the sausage processed with starter B, in order to obtain moderately acidified fermented sausages. A simple kinetic model was applied to our data. The sodium lactate content and especially the type of starter culture often had a significant effect on the four parameters of this empirical model (lag time, acidification time, initial and final pH).     

A model study of Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival in fermented dry sausages--influence of inoculum preparation, inoculation procedure, and selected process parameters

The influence of inoculum preparation, inoculation level, and inoculation procedure on Escherichia coli O157:H7 inactivation during the manufacture of fermented sausage was evaluated in a model study. Prior growth in glucose-enriched tryptone soya broth, which provided exposure to mildly acidic conditions (pH 4.8), had no effect on the later survival of E. coli O157: H7 strains 5-1 and ATCC 43894 under extremely acidic conditions (pH 2), but the same strains became sensitive to acidity after 7 days of incubation on the surface of refrigerated beef (as per the normal contamination route from slaughter to further processing). In subsequent sausage production trials, the extent of destruction observed for E. coli O157:H7 strains F-90, 5-1, and ATCC 43894 inoculated directly into the meat batter was unchanged when the inoculation level was decreased from 7.3 to 4.7 log CFU/g, but the level of inactivation was ca. 1 log higher when the surfaces of beef cuts, rather than the batter, were inoculated 7 days prior to processing. Regardless of processing conditions (fermentation to a pH of < or = 5.0 at 24 or 37 degrees C, drying at 14 degrees C to a water activity [a(w)] value of 0.91 or 0.79), strains F-90, 5-1, and ATCC 43894 showed similar survival capacities during the manufacture of sausage. A approximately 2-log reduction in pathogen numbers was generally obtained after samples were dried to an a(w) of 0.91, irrespective of fermentation temperature. The addition of a 5-day predrying holding stage at the fermentation temperature significantly (P < 0.05) increased pathogen inactivation when fermentation was carried out at 37 degrees C (but not when it was carried out at 24 degrees C). However, significant pathogen reductions (4 to 5 log CFU/g) were achieved only for extensively dried products (a(w) = 0.79).     

Microbial ecology of food contact surfaces and products of small-scale facilities producing traditional sausages

The microbial status in 7 small-scale facilities (SSFs) producing traditional fermented and/or dry sausages was investigated. It was shown that the hygienic status of the processing environment and equipment plays an essential role in the microbial stability and safety of the final products. The current study revealed that the majority of the sampling sites (control points) tested were highly (>4 log CFU/cm(2)) contaminated by spoilage flora (i.e. Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae), with knives, tables and mincing machines being the most heavily contaminated surfaces. Moreover, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in 11.7%, 26.4%, and 11.7% of the food contact surfaces, respectively. The presence of these pathogens seemed to be associated with high numbers of one or more specific groups of the 'house-flora' on the sampling sites of the facilities; however, high numbers of 'house-flora' do not always suggest the presence of pathogens. With regard to product samples, batter samples were heavily contaminated with the 'house-flora' present on surfaces and equipment of the processing facilities while by the end of processing (final products) LAB constituted the predominant microbial flora of all products. The low initial levels of S. aureus and Salmonella found in batter samples as well as the combination of hurdles (mainly a(w)<0.92, average pH ca. <5.0 and competitive effect of natural flora) in the final products were able to inhibit and/or eliminate these pathogens; however, the detection of L. monocytogenes in 3 out of the 7 final products examined is indicative of cross-contamination. Our findings further indicate that inadequate hygiene practices within small-scale-processing facilities may result in loss of microbial control. Therefore, this study addresses the need for strict control measures within SSFs producing traditional fermented sausages.     

The survival of E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes in black carrot (Daucus carota) juice

In this study the survival and growth patterns of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in various concentrations of black carrot juice were investigated during incubation period at 4 °C and 37 °C for 7 days. Several parameters, such as juice concentration (%), pH, incubation temperature (°C) and time (days) were found effective on the survival of pathogens tested. Although L. monocytogenes has been found to be the less resistant microorganism to the variable conditions, there were only ca. 1 and 2 log reductions in the number of the cells in the juice samples incubated at 4 °C for 2 and 7 days, respectively. Incubating at low temperature (4 °C) enhanced the survival of test microorganisms.     

A note on the incidences of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 serotypes in Turkish sausage (Soudjouck)

The incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was determined in 100 Turkish sausage (soudjouck) samples collected from shops and markets in the Afyon province, Turkey. Salmonella spp. were detected in 7% of the samples. All of the isolates were S. enterica Paratyphi B. In addition, Listeria spp. were detected in 9% of the samples. Its distribution was 7% L. monocytogenes and 1% each of L. ivanovii and L. innocua. Serological study of the seven L. monocytogenes isolates showed that three of these were 1/2 ab, three were 5/6 ab and one was 1 ab. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in any of the samples. The pH values of the samples ranged from 4.8 to 6.5. In conclusion, increasing number of listeriosis and salmonellosis cases in Turkey and the contamination levels found indicate that risk assessment and improved preventive measures are required for these sausages.     

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in cranberry juice concentrates at different oBrix levels

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in cranberry juice concentrates to determine if a 5-log reduction could be achieved without any other treatment. Inactivation at 0 degrees C in concentrates with different oBrix levels was determined for a five-strain composite of the individual pathogens in two physiological states. In concentrates at 18 to 46 oBrix (pH 2.2 to 2.5), all three pathogens (stationary-phase or acid-adapted cells) showed at least a 5-log reduction after a 6- or 24-h incubation. At 14 oBrix (pH 2.5), a reduction greater than 5 log was obtained for L. monocytogenes and Salmonella after up to 24 h of incubation, but for E. coli O157:H7, 96 h of incubation was needed to consistently obtain a reduction greater than 5 log. All three pathogens in the stationary phase survived longer than in the acid-adapted phase under the same conditions. The most resistant was stationary-phase E. coli O157:H7, and the most sensitive was acid-adapted L. monocytogenes. The rate of pathogen destruction increased with increasing oBrix level of the juice concentrate, which suggests that concentrated acids and/orsome intrinsic compounds may play an important role in the bactericidal effects of cranberry juice concentrates.     

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.     

Antibacterial effect of water-soluble tea extracts on foodborne pathogens in laboratory medium and in a food model

The microbial inhibition of foodborne pathogens was determined in brain heart infusion broth with 10% (wt/vol) water-soluble extracts of green, jasmine, black, dungglre, and oolong tea against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The mixed culture (approximately 6.0 log CFU/ml), which was composed of the four pathogens, was inoculated into brain heart infusion broth with and without tea extracts. After incubation at 35 degrees C for 0, 1, 3, and 5 days, proper dilution of each sample was spiral plated on each selective agar. Viable cell counts were performed after incubation at 35 degrees C for 24 to 36 h. Green, jasmine, and black tea exhibited an approximately 5.0 log suppression of S. aureus compared with the control from days 1 to 5. Green and jasmine tea also suppressed the growth of L. monocytogenes by approximately 3.0 log CFU/ml on day 5. In contrast, no tea extracts inactivated E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis. Based on the result in liquid medium, green and jasmine teas of 0.1% (vol/wt) were individually evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus in a food model (ground beef) stored at 7 degrees C for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. Viable cell counts of total bacteria, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus in ground beef were not significantly different among green and jasmine tea and the control.     

Synergistic lethal combination of nitrite and acid pH on a verotoxin-negative strain of Escherichia coli O157

This study was concerned with the possible consequences of reducing the nitrite concentration of a fermented sausage environment on the survival of the pathogen E. coli O157:H45, a verotoxin-negative relative of E. coli O157:H7. A liquid medium, FM, was constructed with a liquid phase, a(w) and pH similar to fermented sausage. Survival of E. coli O157:H45 in FM depended on both pH and nitrite concentration. In trials in which the pH was decreased by growing Pediococcus acidilactici in FM, survival of E. coli O157:H45 was clearly dependent on nitrite concentration; at least 100 ppm nitrite was required to inhibit growth and the number of survivors after 2 days with 200 ppm nitrite was 1000-fold less than in the absence of nitrite. In laboratory-scale sausage fermented with P. acidilactici, E. coli O157:H45 failed to grow in the absence of nitrite and the numbers slowly declined over 14 days. However, the rate of decline was much faster with nitrite present even at 50 ppm; at 200 ppm nitrite, the E. coli O157:H45 population declined 100 times faster than in the absence of nitrite.