Evaluation of green tea extract as a glazing material for shrimp frozen by cryogenic freezing

Solutions of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (GTE) in distilled water were evaluated as a glazing material for shrimp frozen by cryogenic freezing. Total of 2%, 3%, and/or 5% GTE solutions (2GTE, 3GTE, 5GTE) were used for glazing. Distilled water glazed (GDW) and nonglazed shrimp (NG) served as controls. The GTE was characterized by measuring color, pH, (o) Brix, total phenols, and % antiradical activity. Individual catechins were identified by HPLC. The freezing time, freezing rate, and energy removal rate for freezing shrimp by cryogenic freezing process were estimated. The frozen shrimp samples were stored in a freezer at -21 °C for 180 d. Samples were analyzed for pH, moisture content, glazing yield, thaw yield, color, cutting force, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) after 1, 30, 90, and 180 d. The HPLC analysis of GTE revealed the presence of catechins and their isomers and the total polyphenol content was 148.10 ± 2.49 g/L. The freezing time (min) and energy removal rate (J/s) were 48.67 ± 2.3 and 836.67 ± 78.95, respectively. Glazed samples had higher moisture content compared to NG shrimp after 180 d storage. GTE was effective in controlling the lipid oxidation in shrimp. Glazing with GTE affected a* and b* color values, but had no significant effect on the L* values of shrimp.     

Effects of phosphate treatment on quality of red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) processed with cryomechanical freezing

This paper presents a study combining the use of cryomechanical freezing and phosphate. Red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) were treated with sodium tripolyphosphate at 5 g/100 mL and a phosphate blend at 5 g/100 mL. Treated shrimp were partially frozen in liquid nitrogen (−86 °C) and finish in blast tunnel (−30 °C) before glazing with water. Frozen shrimp were held for 15 days at −25 °C before analysis. Drip loss on thawing and after cooking process was evaluated and sensory attributes were analyzed using acceptance tests. Results indicated that dipping shrimp in phosphates solutions can be used to prevent large cooking-related yield losses. Sensory analysis showed that shrimp treated with phosphate retain sensory attributes, contributing to major preference and acceptance of panellists. Cryomechanical freezing combined with phosphate treatment offers a simple and economical solution to increase freezing capacity, improve water retention and, consequently, improve product quality.     

Effect of chitosan and thyme oil on a ready to cook chicken product

The present study examined the effect of natural antimicrobials: chitosan, thyme and their combination, on the shelf-life of a Ready to Cook (RTC) chicken-pepper kebab (skewer) stored under aerobic conditions at 4 ± 0.5 °C for a period of 12 days. Treatments examined in the present study were the following: A (control samples, untreated), A–CH (chitosan; 1.5% v/w), A–T (thyme essential oil; 0.2% v/w) and A–CH–T (chitosan; 1.5% v/w and thyme essential oil; 0.2% v/w). The shelf-life of the samples was determined using both microbiological and sensory analyses. Among the microorganisms examined, pseudomonads were the most resistant group towards the combined application of chitosan and thyme oil (ca. 1.5 log cycle reduction) while Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Brochothrix thermosphacta and Enterobacteriaceae were the most sensitive to the combined action of these two agents (2–3 log cycle reduction). Yeasts-moulds were also part of the natural microbial association of the RTC product, with A–CH–T treatment suppressing effectively their growth during the entire period of storage. Treatments A–CH and A–CH–T resulted in lower pH values as compared to the control (A) samples. Of the treatments examined in the present study, A–CH–T, gave a “spicy”, desirable and pleasant (organoleptically acceptable) RTC product. Based primarily on sensory data (taste attribute) A–CH, A–T and A–CH–T treatments extended the product's shelf-life by ca. 4 and 6 days, respectively, as compared to the control sample.     

High hydrostatic pressure treatment for manufacturing of garlic powder with improved microbial safety and antioxidant activity

The traditional method of manufacturing garlic powder (GP) that includes simple grinding of air-dried garlic slices has problems of microbial safety and a pungent flavour for this product. Microbiologically safe GP with a less pungent flavour and better antioxidant activities was manufactured using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), wet grinding and freeze-drying process. The numbers of total aerobic bacteria and yeasts and molds in untreated (without HHP) GP were 3.64 and 2.47 log CFU/g respectively. Garlic powder treated with 600 MPa HHP for 5 min exhibited a total aerobes count of 1.62 CFU/g and a yeasts and molds count of 1.43 log CFU/g. The diallyl disulfide content, which is responsible for the pungent odour of garlic, was also significantly reduced by HHP due to a decrease in the alliinase activity. Hence, a novel process using HHP can help to produce GP with improved microbial safety, flavour and nutrition.     

Quality and shelf life assessment of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) freshly harvested and stored on ice

Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) are an important shrimp aquaculture species worldwide. To quantify the quality and shelf life of untreated shrimp is imperative prior to the application of preservative treatments. In this paper, the quality and shelf life of Pacific white shrimp freshly harvested from three different farms and stored on ice for up to 12 days was investigated. The titratable acidity (TA) of shrimp specimens exhibited significant decreases (P < 0.05) whereas the metric chroma (C), total colour difference (TCD), aerobic plate count (APC), trimethylamine (TMA-N) and total volatile basic – nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV) and p-anisidine value (AnV) exhibited significant increases during iced storage (P < 0.05). The TMA-N and TVB-N were significantly correlated whereas temporal TMA-N/TVB-N ratio increased considerably (P < 0.05). While the PV and AnV significantly correlated (P < 0.05), the temporal PV/AnV ratio depicted how primary and secondary lipid oxidation of Pacific white shrimp could relate during iced storage of 12 days. The shelf life of ice stored Pacific white shrimps was determined to be 8 days. The information gained by this study could serve as baseline for preservative treatments applied to fresh shrimps.     

Soybean oil‐chitosan emulsion affects internal quality and shelf‐life of eggs stored at 25 and 4 °C

Effects of soybean oil (SO), chitosan solution (CH) and their emulsions (SO:CH = 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60 ratios) as coatings on internal quality of eggs stored at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, for 7 and 20 weeks, were evaluated. Eggs coated with SO and SO:CH emulsions maintained grade AA and/or A quality up to 7 weeks at 25 °C and 20 weeks at 4 °C, while noncoated eggs changed from AA to B grade after 2 weeks at 25 °C. Compared with noncoated eggs, shelf‐life of eggs stored at 25 °C was extended for 5 weeks by all SO:CH emulsions. Weight loss of eggs coated with SO:CH emulsions was <3% after 7 weeks at 25 °C and <5% after 20 weeks at 4 °C. SO:CH emulsion is alternatively an effective coating with possible shorter drying times for reducing weight loss and preserving the internal quality of eggs.     

Shrimp processing residue as an alternative ingredient for new product development

Shrimp residues were dried (65 °C), grounded, and posteriorly used as an ingredient to the production of ‘spiced shrimp flour’ and ‘shrimp flavoured biscuits’. Both products were packed in modified atmosphere (100% N₂) and stored for 180 days (25 °C) for shelf life evaluation. The centesimal composition, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out in triplicate. The microbiological analysis (residue and shrimp flour) was within the limits of the legislation, confirming the hygienic–sanitary care during processing. The protein content was the most outstanding (40.13% for the spiced shrimp flour and 20.52% for the shrimp flavoured biscuits). The microbiological evaluation for the ‘spiced shrimp flour’ and ‘shrimp flavoured biscuits’ was below the legal limit, and both products were accepted by sensory analysis. The shelf life evaluation demonstrated stability for 6 months. Thus, we concluded that the Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp residue is a promising ingredient in the food industry.     

Impact of β-glucan on debittering,bioaccessibility and storage stability of skim milk fortified with shrimp oil nanoliposomes

Shrimp oil was encapsulated in nanoliposomes and fortified into skim milk. Shrimp oil nanoliposomes (SONL) were thermodynamically stable when added into skim milk at 10 mL 100 mL⁻¹. Mild bitterness in fortified skim milk caused by the SONL was masked by adding β-glucan at various levels (0.05–0.2 g 100 mL⁻¹). With the addition of SONL, fortified skim milk appeared more reddish in colour due to the presence of astaxanthin. Addition of β-glucan resulted in the increase in viscosity of the fortified milk by forming network of junction zones. During the storage of skim milk fortified with SONL and 0.1 g 100 mL⁻¹ β-glucan at 4 °C for 15 days, no major quality changes took place. Simulated in vitro digestion studies revealed that 45.41 g 100 g⁻¹ eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 48.86 g 100 g⁻¹ docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from shrimp oil were bioaccessible for absorption in the gut after digestion.     

Efficacy of chlorine dioxide gas sachets for enhancing the microbiological quality and safety of blueberries

In response to increasingly stringent microbial specifications being imposed by purchasers of frozen blueberries, chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas generated by a dry chemical sachet was assessed for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7 as well as five yeasts and molds known for blueberry spoilage. Fresh blueberry samples (100 g) were separately inoculated with cocktails of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 (three strains each), or yeasts and molds (five strains each) to contain approximately 10(6) CFU/g and exposed to ClO2 (4 mg/liter, 0.16 mg/g) for 12 h in a sealed 20-liter container (99.9% relative humidity) at approximately 22 degrees C. After gassing, 25 g of blueberries was added to 225 ml of neutralizing buffer, pulsified for 1 min, and plated using standard procedures to quantify survivors. This treatment yielded reductions of 3.94, 3.62, 4.25, 3.10, and 3.17 log CFU/g for L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, yeasts, and molds, respectively. Thereafter, 30 lugs of uninoculated blueberries (approximately 9.1 kg per lug) were stacked on 1.2 by 1.2-m pallets (5 lugs per level x six levels), tarped, and exposed to ClO2 (18 mg/liter, 0.13 mg/g) for 12 h. After gassing, significant (P < 0.05) reductions of 2.33, 1.47, 0.52, 1.63, and 0.48 log CFU/g were seen for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, yeasts, and molds, respectively, compared with non-gassed controls. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in microbial inactivation were seen between lug levels and, with one exception (mesophilic aerobic bacteria), between the bottom and top surface of individual lugs. Based on these findings, ClO2 sachets may provide a simple, economical, and effective means of enhancing the microbial shelf life and safety of blueberries.     

Effects of small-diameter silver nanoparticles on microbial load in cow milk

Controlling bacterial growth in fluid milk is of economic interest, and supplemental methods to stop or reduce bacterial growth before and during the cooling chain may be valuable. Silver is effective in controlling growth of single-celled organisms, but has no effect on tissue cells. Smaller diameter (6-8 nm) silver nanoparticles were produced, with purity over 99.99% (no chemical reaction used in the process), by using a terminated gas condensation principle. The first trial investigated effects of time, temperature, and accelerating voltages on total aerobic bacteria count in control milk and milk treated with silver nanoparticles. Metal braids were coated with silver nanoparticles using 3 accelerating voltages, 0, 100, and 200V, the results of which indicated that the braids coated using 100V (AgNP100) were optimal. The AgNP100 particles were effective at all treatment temperatures and durations except for 10h, which indicated that the treated milk could be used after 10h for other dairy products such as yogurt, which require microbial activity. The second experiment investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles on counts of yeasts and molds, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in cow milk by treating milk with AgNP100 braids at 22 °C for 1h. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses indicated that the maximum amount of silver found in the AgNP100-treated milk was 6.1μg/L, which is below the safety limits. Counts in milk samples containing the nanoparticle-coated braids were lower for all yeasts and molds and bacteria investigated compared with the control milk samples, which were kept under the same conditions but without the braids. The differences were significant for coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus but not for yeasts and molds, although ranking of the counts (AgNP100 < initial load < control) were the same for all microorganisms. Small-diameter, silver nanoparticle-coated braids can stop or reduce bacterial growth in fluid milk. Silver nanoparticles inhibited microbial growth and may be useful in complementing the cooling chain and the thermal processes. These results warrant more research on the sensory properties and long-term safety of the use of silver nanoparticles in dairy products.     

High-pressure processing of Turkish white cheese for microbial inactivation

High-pressure processing (HPP) of Turkish white cheese and reduction of Listeria monocytogenes, total Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total molds and yeasts, total Lactococcus spp., and total Lactobacillus spp. were investigated. Cheese samples were produced from raw milk and pasteurized milk and were inoculated with L. monocytogenes after brining. Both inoculated (ca. 10(7) to 10(8) CFU/g) and noninoculated samples were subjected to HPP in a high-pressure food processor at 50 to 600 MPa for 5 and 10 min at 25 degrees C. Reductions in L. monocytogenes, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. in both pasteurized- and raw-milk cheese samples and reductions in total molds and yeasts and total Enterobacteriaceae counts in raw-milk cheese samples increased with increased pressure (P < or = 0.05). The maximum reduction of the L. monocytogenes count, ca. 4.9 log CFU/g, was obtained at 600 MPa. Because of the highly inhibitory effect of pasteurization, the total molds and yeasts and total Enterobacteriaceae counts for the cheese samples produced from pasteurized milk were below the detection limit both before and after HPP. There was no significant difference in inactivation of L. monocytogenes, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. under the same treatment conditions for the raw milk and pasteurized milk cheeses and for 5- and 10-min treatment times (P > 0.05). No significant change was detected in pH or water activity of the samples before and after HPP. Our findings suggest that HPP can be used effectively to reduce the microbial load in Turkish white cheese.     

Organic acid based sanitizers and free chlorine to improve the microbial quality and shelf-life of sugar snaps

A screening in a sugar snap packaging company showed a converged build-up of aerobic psychrotrophic plate count (APC) (ca. 6.5 log CFU/100 mL), yeasts and molds (Y&M), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (both ca. 4.5 log CFU/100 mL) in the wash water in the absence of water sanitizer, and a low build-up of chemical oxygen demand (30 ± 5 mg O₂/L) and turbidity (5.2 ± 1.1 NTU).     

COMPARISON OF ANOLYTE AND CHLORINATED WATER AS A DISINFECTING DIPPING TREATMENT FOR STORED CARROTS

Abstract Carrots ( Daucus carota L. ) were dipped in anolyte water for 5, 10 and 20 min or in 100 μg/mL chlorine supplemented water for 20 min to study the effect of anolyte water as an environmentally friendly alternative disinfecting measure for carrots prior to packaging and storage. Packages of carrots were stored at 1 ± 0.5C and ambient temperature (17.5–31.4C). The anolyte water dipping treatment was found to be as effective as chlorinated solutions in controlling growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts and coliform bacteria during storage. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in microbiological changes on carrots dipped in anolyte water for 5, 10, and 20 min. Exposure of carrots to anolyte water for as short as 5 min can be used effectively to reduce and limit growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts and coliform bacteria. Losses in firmness and physiological weight were higher in carrots dipped in chlorinated water. Anolyte water treatments had no effect on total soluble solid content, pH value, firmness and the overall visual appearance of carrots.     

Formulation and characterization of α-tocopherol loaded poly ?-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles

α-tocopherol-loaded poly ?-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation with ultrasonification technique. The influences of PCL concentration (3 and 5 g/100 mL), solvent in the oil phase (methylene chloride (DCM) and methylene chloride: acetonitrile = 50:50 (DCM:ACN)), and ultrasonification time (1, 2, and 3 min) were investigated. Encapsulation efficiency (%) was calculated by Duncan’s multiple rage tests and it decreased from 87.73 to 57.45 when ultrasonification time was increased from 1 to 3 min. DCM as a solvent in the oil phase and 5 g/100 mL PCL showed better encapsulation efficiency than DCM:ACN and 3 g/100 mL PCL. Particle mean size was decreased when ultrasonification time was increased from 1 to 3 min. Nanoparticles with DCM as a solvent in the oil phase had larger particle mean size than the particle with DCM:ACN. There were no significant differences in particle mean size between two PCL concentrations. PCL with 3 g/100 mL concentration had higher α-tocopherol loading (%) than 5 g/100 mL PCL. Overall, 5 g/100 mL PCL in DCM as solvent in the oil phase with 3 min ultrasonification time showed the best encapsulation formulation.     

The application of chitosan in food-grade coatings to control Tyrophagus putrescentiae on dry-cured hams and the effects on sensory properties

The objective of this research was to evaluate if chitosan-containing food-grade coatings can control Tyrophagus putrescentiae growth without affecting the sensory attributes of dry-cured hams. Food-grade coating treatments included (1) 0.3% chitosan (CH), (2) 0.6% CH, (3) 0.3% CH + 10% propylene glycol (PG), (4) 0.3% CH + 1% xanthan gum (XG), (5) 0.3% CH + 1% XG + 10% PG, (6) 0.3% CH + 1% carrageenan (CG) + 1% propylene glycol alginate (PGA), and (7) 0.3% CH + 1% CG + 1% PGA + 10% PG. Each coating solution was coated on ham cubes (2.54 × 2.54 × 2.54 cm³, n = 5/treatment) or infused in ham nets and dry-cured ham cubes were wrapped in the ham nets prior to inoculation with 20 adult mites. A randomized complete block design with three replications was utilized to evaluate the efficacy of treatments at controlling mite growth on dry-cured ham. When CH was mixed with XG (0.3% CH + 10% PG + 1% XG, and 0.3% CH + 1% XG) and infused into a net, fewer mites (15.7 and 21.0 mites) were on the ham cubes (P < 0.05) in comparison to the control (211.2 mites). Results indicate that CH has the efficacy to control mites since 1% XG alone did not control mite growth. Difference from control test results indicated that no sensory differences existed (NS) between CH-treated and control ham slices. The addition of chitosan coated nets helped control mite growth when used in conjunction with xanthan gum and propylene glycol and collectively may be useable as part of an integrated pest management plan for ham producers to control mites in their aging houses. Therefore, these coating solutions could be scaled up to evaluate their efficacy in ham aging houses.     

N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles as a vitamin carrier system

There is considerable interest in incorporating stabilized vitamins into biopolymeric nanoparticles, especially in the development of carriers and active systems for pharmaceutical and food applications. Amongst biopolymer, chitosan is highly desirable owing to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to be chemically modified. In this paper, nanoparticles from three kinds of water-soluble derivative chitosan (N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan, TMC) have successfully been synthesized by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP) anions. Combinations of concentrations of TMC and TPP have resulted in nanoparticles with varying sizes for which the capability for loading with vitamins was investigated. Zeta potential measurement and particle size analysis demonstrated that the size of the nanoparticles was optimized (196 ± 8 nm) when the lowest TMC and TPP amounts were used, i.e., 0.86 mg mL⁻¹ and 0.114 mg mL⁻¹ respectively. As the TMC and/or the TPP concentrations increase, the resulting size of the nanoparticles increases considerably. Three different vitamins (B9, B12 and C) were tested as additives and the final system characterized in relation to size, morphology, spectroscopic and zeta potential properties. In general, the incorporation of vitamins increased all the TMC–TPP original nanoparticle sizes, reaching a maximum diameter of 534 ± 20 nm when loaded with vitamin C. The presence of vitamins also decreases the zeta potential, with one exception observed when using vitamin C. The preliminary results of this study suggested that all TMC/TPP nanoparticles can be successfully used as a stable medium to incorporate and transport vitamins, with potential applications in foodstuffs.     

噬菌体对虾仁中单核细胞增生李斯特菌的抑制效果

以虾仁为研究对象,通过人为模拟在虾仁中接种单核细胞增生李斯特菌后,再用噬菌体ListexTMP100在常温(20℃)、冷藏(4℃、0℃)和冷冻(-18℃)环境下进行处理,分析虾仁中该菌的抑制效果,单核细胞增生李斯特菌采用平板计数法进行计数。结果表明:噬菌体浓度大于2×107PFU/mL时,能有效杀灭虾仁中单核细胞增生李斯特菌(P<0.05);该浓度在20℃下作用虾仁1 h,便能降低1.50 Log10CFU/g(死亡率为99%以上)的单核细胞增生李斯特菌;在0℃和4℃,作用24 h下,单核细胞增生李斯特菌的死亡率达到99.9%;在-18℃下贮藏30d,单核细胞增生李斯特菌在第1天下降了1.38Log10CFU/g。这些结果表明,噬菌体ListexTMP100对虾仁中的单核细胞增生李斯特菌具有明显的抑制效果,可作为一种理想的生物杀菌剂用于水产食品中。     

Chitosan Nanoparticle Penetration into Shrimp Muscle and its Effects on the Microbial Quality

Chitosan (CH) and chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (CH-TPP) solutions were produced with and without sonication and ultra-shearing. The CH and CH-TPP particles and solutions were evaluated for physicochemical properties, and fluorescently labeled particle penetration into shrimp muscle tissue through vacuum tumbling was observed. Two solutions were prepared: (1) a 0.5 % CH solution in 1 % acetic acid and (2) a CH-TPP solution, prepared by adding 0.167 % sodium tripolyphosphate to the CH solution, instantly forming CH-TPP nanoparticles through ionotropic gelation. Untreated shrimp meat and shrimp meat vacuum tumbled with CH, CH-TPP, acetic acid, sodium tripolyphosphate, and distilled water solutions were analyzed for aerobic plate counts for 24 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. Processing with sonication and ultra-shearing reduced the particle sizes of CH and CH-TPP nanoparticles and the molecular weight of CH. It was observed that after processing, fluorescently labeled CH and CH-TPP nanoparticles could penetrate inside of and attach to shrimp muscle tissues through vacuum tumbling. At 24 days of refrigerated storage, shrimp vacuum tumbled with processed CH solution had the lowest aerobic plate counts of all treatments and it was the only treatment to have unchanged microbial quality throughout the entire storage time. Vacuum tumbling with sonicated and ultra-sheared CH solution enhanced particle penetration into shrimp and inhibited microbial growth during refrigerated storage.     

Quinoa protein–chitosan–sunflower oil edible film: Mechanical,barrier and structural properties

Quinoa protein extracts (Q) were prepared and alkalised at pH 8 and 12 (Q-8 and Q-12). Qs were mixed with chitosan (CH) to form Q/CH mixtures. The optimal proportion of the mixtures was determined by the formation of coacervates. All the films were obtained by solution casting. From the optimal Q/CH mixture and the addition of three different concentrations of sunflower oil (SO) 2.9, 3.8 and 4.7 g/100 mL, and the optimal proportion of SO g/100 mL was selected based on the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. The CH, Q/CH and Q/CH/SO optimal blend films were characterised by FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and SEM. The physicochemical properties of the films were also evaluated. The 0.1 Q-8/CH blend was selected due to its high degree of interaction between the quinoa proteins and CH. The optimum concentration of SO used in the Q-8/CH/SO film was 2.9 g/100 mL. The addition of SO to the film improved the water-vapour permeability (WVP) as a result of hydrophobic interactions and the presence of clusters of hydrophobic masses on the surfaces of these films but reduced the film’s tensile strength and oxygen permeability due to the formation of micropores and microfractures detected by SEM.     

Application of Central Composite Design to evaluate the antilisterial activity of hydro-alcohol berry extract of Myrtus communis L.

The antimicrobial activity of the hydro-alcohol extract of Myrtus communis L. (ME) berries was investigated against six Listeria monocytogenes strains (2 type strains and 4 isolates). Sub-lethal ME concentrations reduced L. monocytogenes counts by at least 2 log cycles. A Central Composite Design was used to investigate the combined effects of sub-lethal concentrations of ME (0.039–0.195 mL/100 mL), NaCl (0–2.0 g/100 mL) and pH (5.0–7.0) on strains growth. ME affected growth parameters, generally extending lag phase length and reducing maximum growth, sometimes with interactive effects with pH. The highest ME concentrations (0.117–0.195 mL/100 mL) combined with the lowest pH values (5.0–6.0) strongly reduced or even inhibited strains growth.