Decimal reduction times of acid-adapted and non-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes in young Cocos nucifera Linn. liquid endosperm

The study established the decimal reduction times at 55 °C (D_55 °C values) of acid-adapted and non-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes in young coconut liquid endosperm. Acid adaptation of the test pathogens was conducted by cultivating cells in a gradually acidifying nutrient broth supplemented with 1% glucose. Results showed that acid adaptation had varying influence on the subsequent thermal resistances of the pathogens. The non-adapted E. coli O157:H7 exhibited the greatest resistance among the tested pathogens with a D_55 °C of 23.20 min. Prior adaptation to acidity decreased the D_55 °C to 16.16 min. On the other hand, acid adaptation increased the D_55 °C values of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes from 8.76 to 10.55 min, and from 7.47 to 18.09 min, respectively. The D_55 °C of the non-adapted E. coli O157:H7 was used to establish a pasteurization process schedule with an order of lethality equal to 5-logarithmic (99.999%) reduction. Sensory evaluation revealed that the overall acceptability, color, aroma, coconut flavor, and freshness characteristics of non-pasteurized and pasteurized liquid endosperms were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Moreover, the sensory quality attributes of coconut beverages (80:20 vol/vol endosperm-to-water ratio, soluble solids adjusted to 10 °Brix with sucrose) prepared from both non-pasteurized and pasteurized liquid endosperm samples did not significantly vary. The results obtained from the study may be used in the establishment and validation of thermal process schedules for young coconut liquid endosperm beverages.     

High pressure processing pretreatment enhanced the thermosonication inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in orange juice

The spoilage of high acid fruit juices and nectars by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a major concern to juice manufacturers around the world since it is difficult to detect. In this study, thermosonication (ultrasound and heat, TS) and thermal inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores in pretreated orange juice were carried out and resistance parameters were estimated. First, the effect of TS acoustic energy density (AED, 0.3–20.2 W/mL) on the inactivation at 75 °C was investigated. Then, the influence of TS temperature (70–78 °C) on the spore inactivation (AED = 20.2 W/mL) was studied. Next, we explored the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) pretreatment of juice on the 20.2 W/mL TS inactivation at the best temperature (78 °C). Lastly, the thermal inactivation of spores in juice heat shocked + 1 min sonicated vs. untreated juice was also investigated.Results of TS showed higher spore inactivation for higher AED (D_75°C-value of 49 min for 20.2 W/mL vs. 217 min for 0.33 W/mL). Lower D-values were obtained at higher temperatures (D_78°C-value of 28 min vs. D_70°C-value of 139 min at 20.2 W/mL). The TS D_78°C-value (at 20.2 W/mL) decreased further from 28 min to 14 min when the orange juice was previously submitted to 600 MPa for 15 min. Thermal treatment alone at 78 °C resulted in almost no spore inactivation, whereas the heat shock + ultrasound pretreatment of juice enhanced the thermal inactivation of spores (D_85°C-value decreased from 69 to 29 min). To conclude, HPP-assisted TS provided the best method for spore inactivation, indicating the benefit of high pressure and power ultrasound technology in addition to heat. TS required at least 8 °C lower temperatures than thermal treatments to achieve the same spore inactivation, which could enhance juice quality and energy savings.     

Combinations of selected physical and chemical hurdles to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple and orange juices

This study evaluated the individual and combined efficacies of physical processing techniques such as heating, Dynashock multi-frequency ultrasound waves, ultraviolet-C (UV-C), and additives such as sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, α- and β-Pinene for pasteurization of orange and apple juices against acid-adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7. In heated apple juice, log-linear inactivation of the test organism resulted in D values which were used to calculate for the recommended 5-log reduction process schedules (t_5D) at 45, 50, 52, 55, and 60 °C equal to 481.5, 103.6, 45.0, 22.4, and 10.54 min, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 exhibited biphasic inactivation composed of a slow inactivation lag, followed by log-linear inactivation in ultrasound-treated juice. t_5D schedules were similarly calculated at 54.7 and 77.5 min for orange and apple juice, respectively. Lethal rate analyses in the ultrasound-treated apple juice revealed that 85% of the reduction in E. coli population was due to the heat liberated by cavitation. Combined ultrasound and UV-C treatment resulted in greater inactivation rates in both juices, with greater efficacy in apple juice. Supplementation of all tested additives, whether singly or in combination, similarly resulted in significantly shorter t_5D schedules in both juices.     

Suboptimal growth conditions induce heterologous ultraviolet-C adaptation in Salmonella enterica in orange juice

This study was conducted to determine the effects of single and simultaneous physicochemical stress exposures on the subsequent resistance of Salmonella spp. to ultraviolet-C (UV–C) in orange juice (pH 3.1, 11.5 °Brix, 0.63% citric acid). Seven strains of the test bacterium were individually subjected to suboptimal growth conditions (24 h), including gradual acidification (final pH 4.5), abrupt desiccation (a_w 0.96), heat stress by incubation at high temperature (40 °C), and combinations of acid + desiccation (pH 4.5, a_w 0.96), acid + heat (pH 4.5, 40 °C), and desiccation + heat (a_w 0.96, 40 °C). Cocktail of the different strains previously exposed to specific stress were then subjected to UV–C inactivation. The UV–C resistance of Salmonella enterica was expressed in terms of D and D_UV–C values, which correspond to the unit time of exposure and UV–C energy necessary to reduce the population by 1 log cycle (90%), respectively. Results showed that in all treatments, S. enterica exhibited logarithmic linear or first-order UV inactivation kinetics, indicating that the cells had homogenous responses towards the environmental stresses and the eventual kill step. Except for heat, all prior stress exposures resulted in cells more resistant to UV–C than the control (D = 12.7 s, D_UV–C = 63.56 mJ/cm²). Cells previously exposed to desiccation were most resistant to UV–C with a D and D_UV–C values of 16.6 s and 83.20 mJ/cm², respectively. Combining desiccation with acid (D = 16.2 s, D_UV–C = 80.88 mJ/cm²) and heat (D = 15.0 s, D_UV–C = 75.16 mJ/cm²) also resulted in relatively more resistant cells, with D and D_UV–C values greater than those exposed to acid (D = 14.9 s, D_UV–C = 74.56 mJ/cm²), acid + heat (D = 14.4 s, D_UV–C = 72.00 mJ/cm²), and heat stresses (D = 11.9 s, D_UV–C = 59.67 mJ/cm²). All (D ratio = D stress/D control >1.0) but those previously exposed to heat stress (D ratio <1.0) exhibited heterologous adaptation against UV–C in orange juice. These results provide additional evidences of the induction of heterologous UV–C tolerance response in S. enterica from environmental stresses commonly encountered by cells in food and food processing ecologies.     

Inactivation behaviors of foodborne microorganisms in multi-frequency power ultrasound-treated orange juice

This study established the inactivation kinetic parameters of some pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serotypes, and Listeria monocytogenes; and spoilage yeasts namely, Debaryomyces hansenii, Clavispora lusitaniae, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Pichia fermentans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in orange juice subjected to multi-frequency Dynashock power ultrasound treatment. All test organisms exhibited a biphasic inactivation behavior with a sigmoidal inactivation curve consisted of an initial inactivation lag, followed by logarithmic linear inactivation. Injury accumulation in the inactivation lag phase was established in acid-adapted bacteria. The time necessary to reduce initial inoculated populations by 5 log cycles (99.999%), T_5D values, significantly increased with acid adaptation. The T_5D of E. coli, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes increased from 37.64, 36.87, and 34.59 respectively; to 54.72, 40.38, and 37.83 min respectively after acid exposure. Temperature increase due to sensible heat propagation during ultrasound treatment decreased the resistance of the test bacteria. The cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 had significantly greater resistance towards ultrasound treatment (T_5D = 54.72 min) than any of the individual strain (T_5D = 41.48–47.48 min) in the mix. Similar results were found in the composited (T_5D = 60.02 min) and individual species (T_5D = 20.31–59.04 min). The results established in this work provide baseline information on microbial behavior in multi-frequency ultrasound-treated orange juice for establishment of pasteurization process schedules.     

Microbial and enzymatic stability of fruit juice-milk beverages treated by high intensity pulsed electric fields or heat during refrigerated storage

The influence of high intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF) treatment (35 kV/cm, bipolar 4 μs square wave pulses at 200 Hz) on the inactivation of Listeria innocua in fruit juice–whole (FJ–WM) or skim milk (FJ–SM) beverages was assessed. As well, the effects of HIPEF or conventional thermal (90 °C 60 s) processing in terms of microbial and enzymatic stability and changes on physicochemical parameters of the beverages during refrigerated storage were also studied. HIPEF and thermal processing ensured the microbial stability of the beverages during 56 days at 4 °C without significant changes on pH, acidity and soluble solid content values. Thermal processing was more effective than HIPEF in reducing Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) activity in FJ–SM and FJ–WM beverages since its activity was reduced by 70.66% and 87.33%, respectively. With regards to Polygalacturonase (PG), HIPEF treatment reduced by 26.92% and 20.93% the enzyme activity in the FJ–WM and FJ–SM beverages, respectively, whereas thermal treatment did not inactivate PG in both beverages. HIPEF or thermally-treated samples showed higher viscosity than the untreated ones, being this increment more pronounced in the beverages with whole milk. Therefore, HIPEF processing may be a feasible technology in order to obtain shelf stable and fresh-like fruit juice-milk beverages.     

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Senftenberg 775W inoculated into fruit juice by means of ultra high pressure homogenisation

The inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Senftenberg 775 W by ultra high pressure homogenisation (UHPH) was evaluated in grape and orange juices inoculated at a concentration of approximately 7 log CFU/ml. The fluid inlet temperature used was 6 °C and the pressure levels assayed were 200, 300 and 400 MPa. Viable and injured bacterial counts were obtained 2 h after the UHPH treatments and after 5, 8, and 15 days of storage at 4 °C. Pressure level had a significant impact on the lethal effect of UHPH and complete inactivation of S. enterica serovar Senftenberg 775 W was achieved at 400 MPa. L. monocytogenes showed more resistance than S. enterica serovar Senftenberg 775 W to the UHPH treatments and no significant differences were observed between 300 and 400 MPa treatments in both juices. Sublethal injuries were not detected in any case. During the storage at 4 °C viable counts of both strains showed a decreasing trend. L. monocytogenes viable counts became undetectable in UHPH treated and also in control samples of grape juice which could be attributed to the presence of natural compounds with antilisterial effect.     

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spore inactivation by high pressure combined with mild heat: Modeling the effects of temperature and soluble solids

High pressure processing (HPP) comprises the application of pressures between 100 and 1000 MPa to foods for microbial inactivation and food preservation. HPP has been commercially applied to pasteurize fruit juices with the advantage of retaining its bioactive constituents and original organoleptic properties. Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris has been suggested as a reference in the design of pasteurization for high-acid fruit products, due to spore resistance and spoilage incidents in fruit juices. In this study, A. acidoterrestris spore inactivation by 600 MPa combined with mild heat (35–65 °C) in malt extract broth adjusted to 10, 20 and 30 °Brix was carried out and the inactivation was modeled.The soluble solids increased the resistance of the spores to 600 MPa-thermal process, while the temperature decreased its resistance. Although the nonlinear Weibull model gave better fittings, the first-order kinetic parameters were also determined. For example for 600 MPa at 55 °C D_10°Brix = 4.2 min, D_20°Brix = 7.6 min, D_30°Brix = 13.7 min, and z_T-values were 20–21 °C. The z-values for the effect of soluble solids on D_T-values were 39–40 °Brix for 45 and 55 °C 600 MPa HPP. The results obtained with broth were validated with fruit juices and concentrates. The combination of HPP with heat was an effective alternative to conventional thermal processing for the inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores in juices up to 30 °Brix, allowing the use of less 30–40 °C of temperature for the same microbial inactivation, which potentially results in more nutritious, fresher and tastier juices/concentrates.     

Efficiency of high pressure treatment on inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and enzymes in apple,orange, apricot and sour cherry juices

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high hydrostatic pressure with a mild heat treatment on Staphylococcus aureus 485, Escherichia coli O157:H7 933 and Salmonella Enteritidis FDA in apple, orange, apricot and sour cherry juices. The effectiveness of the treatment on polyphenol oxidase activity in apple juice and pectinesterase activity in orange juice were also determined. An inoculum of microorganisms was completely inactivated at 350 MPa and 40 °C in 5 min. The residual polyphenol oxidase activity in apple juice after treatment at 450 MPa and 50 °C for 60 min was obtained as 9 ± 2.2%. The residual pectinesterase activity in orange juice after treatment at 450 MPa and 50 °C for 30 min was determined as approximately 7 ± 1.6%. It compares with 12 ± 0.2% at a treatment of 40 °C and 450 MPa for 60 min. Pressure resistant isoenzymes were thought to be responsible for the final residual activity. The inactivation is irreversible and the enzyme is not reactivated upon storage. High pressure processing constitutes an effective technology to inactivate the enzymes in fruit juices. Pressures higher than 400 MPa can be combined with mild heat (<50 °C) to accelerate enzyme inactivation.     

Effects of culture conditions on the subsequent heat inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 in apple juice

Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells were grown in various acidic growth media including an acidogenic nutrient broth (NB) supplemented with 1% glucose (NBG) and NB acidified to pH 4.5 with 0.25% citric or malic acids. The pH in NBG continuously decreased, reaching a final pH of 4.46 after 28 h. The pH in the control culture (NB) did not significantly change throughout the incubation. When heated in apple juice at 55 °C, cells grown in NBG had the significantly highest D₅₅ value (250 ± 39.67 s). Thermal inactivation rates established for cells grown in NB, citric acid- and malic acid-acidified NBs were 51.39 ± 1.34, 25.46 ± 1.21, and 45.42 ± 0.36 s, respectively. When compared with the D₅₅ values of cells previously exposed to combinations of environmental stress factors, cells grown in NBG were also found to be significantly heat resistant and were deemed appropriate to be used in heat challenge studies.     

Inactivation of Staphylococcus spp. strains in whole milk and orange juice using ultra high pressure homogenisation at inlet temperatures of 6 and 20 °C

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inactivation induced by ultra high pressure homogenisation (UHPH) of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 13565 and Staphylococcus carnosus CECT 4491 inoculated into milk and orange juice considering the effect of inlet temperature of the sample (6 and 20 °C) on the lethality values and on the production of sublethal injuries. Samples of UHT whole milk and UHT orange juice were inoculated at a concentration of approximately 7.0 log (CFU/ml) and pressurized with a dual valve UHPH machine at 300 MPa at the primary homogenising valve and at 30 MPa on the secondary valve. Viable and injured bacterial counts were measured 2 h after UHPH treatment and after 3, 6, and 9 days of storage at 4 °C for milk, and after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of storage at 4 °C for orange juice. The inlet temperature, the food matrix and the kind of strain influenced significantly (P < 0.05) the lethality level, which was higher for S. aureus in whole milk at an inlet temperature of 20 °C. No sublethal injuries were detected after treatments. The change over time of viable counts for both strains showed a very strong decreasing tendency during the storage at 4 °C for orange juice, while the strain S. carnosus showed a low decreasing tendency and greater resistance when inoculated in milk and pressurized at 6 °C.     

Inactivation of Staphylococcus saprophyticus in chicken meat and purge using thermal processing,high pressure processing,gamma radiation,and ultraviolet light (254 nm)

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common contaminant in meat and poultry, and causes urinary tract infections after colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, followed by accidental transfer of contaminated feces to the urethra. There is limited information regarding the inactivation kinetics of S. saprophyticus in meat and poultry. When S. saprophyticus was suspended in ground chicken meat (GCM) the thermal processing D₁₀ was 6.26, 0.60 and 0.09 min at 55, 60 and 65 °C, respectively. When S. saprophyticus was inoculated into GCM and subjected to high pressure processing (5 °C, 0–25 min) at 200, 300 or 400 MPa the HPP D₁₀ was 15.5, 9.43, and 3.54 min, respectively. When the S. saprophyticus cocktail was inoculated into GCM and irradiated (5 and −20 °C) the gamma radiation D₁₀ were 0.64 and 0.77 kGy, respectively. When S. saprophyticus was inoculated into chicken purge which was then placed on food contact surfaces including stainless steel, and high density polyethylene and polypropylene and treated with UV-C (0–60 mJ/cm²) the UV-C D₁₀ ranged from 14.9 to 18.5 mJ/cm². These results indicate the inactivation kinetics for S. saprophyticus are consistent with those for other foodborne pathogens and could be controlled in poultry meat and purge without difficulty.     

Thermal death of bacterial pathogens in linguiça smoking

Linguiça, a smoked sausage originally from Portugal, is often made in small quantities in California, without inspection. Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serotype Newport, and Yersinia enterocolitica were added individually to batter representing California linguiça. Batter (≤1 mm thick), heated at 50, 55, and 60 °C, showed decimal reduction times ranging from >10 min for most trials at 50 °C to <2 min at 60 °C. Pork casings, stuffed with the batters to a diameter ≤3 cm, length 10 cm, and weight 75–80 g, were hot smoked; sausage centers were at ≥60 °C for ≥90 min. Contaminant levels in the batters (three experiments/pathogen) ranged from 2.3 × 10⁶ to 3.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g in various runs; reductions were ≥5 log₁₀ in all cases. These experiments indicate a reasonable margin of safety for products processed in this way.     

Modelling survival behaviour of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis,Typhimurium and Tennessee on table eggs during storage at different temperatures

Quantitative risk assessment studies on the health risk of Salmonella due to consumption of contaminated table eggs are based on the assumption that Salmonella is inside the egg and that the pathogen belongs to serovar Enteritidis. However different serovars of Salmonella may contaminate the surface of table eggs and spread to other foods at consumer's kitchen due to improper food handling. In the present study the survival behaviour of one strain each from Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Tennessee on table egg surface during storage at 4, 8, and 20 °C have been described. Besides, in those cases observed data were subjected for modelling; linear, log-linear tail and Weibull models were compared in terms of model fitting and model performance. Overall, in most cases, inactivation kinetics presented a linear trend on Salmonella behaviour so that Weibull and linear models adequately described observed data. Regarding log-linear tail models, though they presented a better fitting, their adequacy could not be assessed given the lack of data in the tail region. Regarding storage temperatures, 4 °C was predicted to be the most inhibitory temperature for table eggs externally contaminated by a strain of S. enterica serovar Enteritidis. After 28 days of storage, a reduction of 4 log₁₀ cfu/g of eggshell on the S. enterica ser. Enteritidis load was registered at 4 °C. S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and Tennessee showed higher survival rates at all tested temperatures. The results highlighted the importance of keeping constant the storage temperature of table eggs in order to reduce the risk of S. enterica ser. Enteritidis contaminating the surface of table eggs. However this temperature might not be the optimal one in view of S. enterica serovars other than Enteritidis.     

Comparison of aluminum thermal-death-time disks with a pilot-scale pasteurizer on the thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 in apple cider

This study was conducted to compare thermal inactivation kinetics obtained using a pilot-scale pasteurizer and a bench-scale processing system. Pilot-scale pasteurizers are useful for product development, but comparisons on thermal inactivation kinetics with smaller scale systems are lacking. Using an Armfield pilot-scale pasteurizer and aluminum thermal-death-time (TDT) disks, the D-values and z-values of Escherichia coli K12 in apple cider were determined in the temperature range of 54–62 °C. Come-up times to 58 °C were also measured and were 35 and 61 s for the TDT disks and pasteurizer, respectively. The D-values from the TDT disks were 9.66, 4.01, 1.44 and 0.44 min at temperatures of 54, 56, 58, and 60 °C, respectively. The D-values from the pasteurizer were 3.48, 1.22, 0.10 and 0.05 min at temperatures of 56, 58, 60, and 62 °C, respectively. The z-values from the TDT disks and the pasteurizer were 4.68 and 3.60 °C, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the D-values of the TDT disks and pasteurizer at 56 and 58 °C, while there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the D-value at 60 °C and in the z-value. This study revealed that the thermal inactivation kinetics obtained using bench scale TDT disks and an Armfield pilot-scale pasteurizer under certain conditions are similar. However, based on ease of use and other factors, TDT disks are preferable for acquiring thermal inactivation kinetics.     

Thermal inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium on dressed chicken skin previously exposed to acidified sodium chlorite or carvacrol

Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illness and live poultry is a main reservoir of this pathogen, worldwide. Cross-contamination and transportation of contaminated poultry meat act as an important vehicle of Salmonella infections in humans. In this study, we assessed the effect of two antimicrobials; acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) and carvacrol followed by thermal treatment to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on dressed chicken skin. D-values (time in min for the pathogen to decrease by 90%) of Salmonella Typhimurium at 56, 60 and 64 °C on dressed chicken skin in the control samples, determined by linear regression, were 6.17, 3.16, 1.32 min, respectively. Two D-values calculated using a logistic model, ranged from 6.28 (D_1, major population, plus T_L) and 11.66 (D_2, heat-resistant subpopulation, plus T_L) min at 56 °C to 1.08 (D₁ plus T_L), and 2.07 (D₂ plus T_L) min at 64 °C. Pre-dipping in 100–300 ppm ASC or 0.02–0.06% carvacrol rendered the pathogen more sensitive to the lethal effect of heat. Thus, combination of antimicrobials with thermal inactivation was more effective in reducing heat resistance of the pathogen on dressed chicken surface. The model developed will assist poultry processors in estimating the time required for specific log reductions of Salmonella Typhimurium on chicken skin and thus, will contribute in designing acceptance limits at critical control points for chicken skins at lower times and temperatures for cooking.     

Determination of thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in chicken meats by isothermal and dynamic methods

The objective of this research is to determine the thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in chicken breast meat under both isothermal and dynamic conditions. A four-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes was inoculated to chicken breast meat. Isothermal studies were performed by submerging samples under hot water maintained at constant temperatures ranging from 54 to 66 °C. The D values at each temperature were determined and used to calculate the z value, using log(D) = log(D₀) − T/z. Dynamic studies were conducted by submerging samples in a water bath with its temperature programmed to increase linearly from 30 to 65 °C at 1.25 °C/min or 1.73 °C/min. A method was developed to determine the kinetic parameters from linear heating temperature profiles.The thermal inactivation of L. monocytogenes in chicken breast meat followed the first-order kinetics. The z value determined from the isothermal studies was 4.95 °C, which is very close to the values reported in the literature. The dynamic method can also be used to determine the thermal inactivation kinetics of L. monocytogenes. The average z value (4.10 °C) determined by the dynamic method was slightly lower than that determined by the isothermal method. However, the parameters (D₀ and z) determined from both isothermal and dynamic methods can be used to estimate the survival of L. monocytogenes exposed to linear heating temperature profiles, with statistically equal accuracies.The dynamic method explored in this study can be used to determine the D₀ and z values of microorganisms that exhibit first-order kinetics and are exposed to linear heating temperature profiles. Compared to the isothermal method, the dynamic method requires few data points and is equally accurate.     

Use of a commercial mixture of volatile compounds from the fungus Muscodor to inhibit Salmonella in ground turkey and beef

Additional interventions to reduce the risk of Salmonella in ground meat products are needed in the industry. Fungi in the genus Muscodor produce an array of volatile compounds with antimicrobial activity. A commercial mixture of these volatile compounds (all considered to be GRAS), in proportions similar to that produced by the fungus, was assessed for its inhibitory activity against Salmonella in vitro. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the volatiles mixture for growth of Salmonella enterica in Mueller-Hinton broth was 0.5% (v/v). Exposure to the vapor phase of the volatile compounds similarly inhibited visible growth of Salmonella on agar (up to 6 cm zone of inhibition). Addition of the volatiles mixture (0.25%–1.0% v/w) inhibited Salmonella by 1.5 and 2.8 log₁₀ CFU in ground turkey (85% or 93% lean, respectively) and 2.2 and 1.7 log₁₀ CFU in ground beef (73% or 93% lean, respectively) during a 5 day period at 8 °C. Addition of the volatiles also inhibited growth of normal microflora on ground turkey at 8 °C by approximately 5.3 log₁₀ CFU. These findings indicate this mixture of volatile compounds retards growth of spoilage organisms and Salmonella in ground meat.     

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium and quality preservation of cherry tomatoes by in-package aerosolization of antimicrobials

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of in-package aerosolized aqueous sanitizers in reducing populations of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium on tomato fruit and in maintaining fruit quality. Cherry tomatoes were inoculated with a cocktail of attenuated S. Typhimurium ATCC 53647 and 53648 strains on the smooth skin surface and stem scar area. Next, 200 ppm free chlorine, and peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and aqueous ClO₂ at different concentrations, 2% lactic acid + 2% acetic acid + 2% levulinic acid, and 3% acetic acid + 3% lactic acid were aerosolized into a clamshell container containing cherry tomatoes. Results showed that S. Typhimurium populations on smooth tomato surfaces were reduced by more than 5 log CFU/fruit with 400 ppm PAA, 2% lactic acid + 2% acetic acid + 2% levulinic acid, 3% acetic acid + 3% lactic acid, and aqueous ClO₂ (100 and 400 ppm). On the stem scar area, 400 ppm aqueous ClO₂ was more effective in reducing S. Typhimurium populations than other treatments, achieving 4.89 log CFU/fruit reduction, followed by 400 ppm PAA (2.62 log CFU/fruit). The efficacy of ClO₂ and acid combination treatments increased during 3-week storage at 10 °C, achieving >3 log CFU/fruit inactivation with the acid combination and ca. 6 log with for 400 ppm with ClO₂. None of the treatments significantly (p > 0.05) affected color, appearance, firmness, vitamin C, lycopene or antioxidant values of tomatoes during 3 weeks of storage; although, an acidic odor was detected for samples treated with the organic acids in the earlier period of the storage. These results suggest that in-package aerosolized sanitizers can be used as a novel method for the inactivation of Salmonella on tomato fruit.     

Effect of controlled-release chlorine dioxide on the quality and safety of cherry/grape tomatoes

The effect of controlled-release chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) gas on the food safety and quality of cherry/grape tomatoes was investigated. Whole grape tomatoes artificially inoculated with either Escherichia coli or Alternaria alternata, or whole cherry tomatoes inoculated with Salmonella enterica Newport, were packed in 1-lb clamshells, and stored at 20 °C for 14 days. ClO₂ pouches were attached under the lids with the following four dosages/release rates: single dose slow-release (S), single dose fast-release (F), fast/slow-release combination (FS), and double dose fast-release (FF). The corresponding equilibrium ClO₂ concentration in the headspace was about 2, 4, 6 and 8 ppm, respectively. Treatment with F reduced populations of E. coli and A. alternata by 2.9–4.7, and 1.6 to 4.0 log CFU/g, respectively, within 14 days storage at 20 °C. FS and FF treatments showed little benefit over F. The F and FF treatments reduced population of S. enterica for inoculated cherry tomatoes by 3.28 and 3.80 log CFU/g, respectively, compared to control after 14 days’ storage at 20 °C. ClO₂-treated grape tomatoes retained higher firmness and had less weight loss compared to the control. The results indicate that 2 ppm of ClO₂ (S) in the clamshells did not adequately control microbial populations; the minimum effective concentration of ClO₂ was 4 ppm (F). Higher concentrations provided a small but incremental improvement in ability to control microorganisms. ClO₂ released into packages of cherry tomatoes during storage reduced weight loss, while maintaining firmness.