Effect of warm,chlorinated water on the microbial flora of shredded iceberg lettuce

An optimization technique was used to determine suitable times of exposure and temperatures for maximum destruction of microorganisms in shredded iceberg lettuce dipped in warm, chlorinated (100 μg/ml) water in a model system. Shredded lettuce washed for 3 min at 47°C and packaged in high oxygen transmission rate (6000–8000 cc m² 24 h) bags maintained an acceptable appearance after 7 days in storage at 1±1°C. Initial microbial loads were reduced by approximately 3 log cfu g⁻¹ in lettuce washed in chlorinated water at 47°C, and 1 log cfu g⁻¹ at 4°C. Pilot plant scale studies confirmed observations in the model system. The microbial flora of shredded lettuce packaged in the raw state and after a 3 min wash in 100 g ml⁻¹ chlorine at 4 or 47°C was dominated by psychrotrophic bacteria, particularly species of Pseudomonas, throughout the storage period. Numbers of these microorganisms were significantly lower than in raw lettuce or lettuce washed at 4°C until the 15th day in storage. Gas composition inside the bags was not affected by the washes.     

Effectiveness of organic acid,ozonated water and chlorine dippings on microbial reduction and storage quality of fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce

BACKGROUND: The comparative effects of organic (citric and lactic) acids, ozone and chlorine on the microbiological population and quality parameters of fresh-cut lettuce during storage were evaluated. RESULTS: Dipping of lettuce in 100 mg L⁻¹ chlorine solution reduced the numbers of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae by 1.7, 2.0 and 1.6 log₁₀ colony-forming units (CFU) g⁻¹ respectively. Treatment of lettuce with citric (5 g L⁻¹) and lactic (5 mL L⁻¹) acid solutions and ozonated water (4 mg L⁻¹) reduced the populations of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria by 1.7 and 1.5 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ respectively. Organic acid dippings resulted in lower mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts than ozonated water and chlorine dippings during 12 days of storage. Lactic acid dipping effectively reduced (by 2.2 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹) and maintained low populations of Enterobacteriaceae on lettuce for the first 6 days of storage. No significant (P > 0.05) changes were observed in the texture and moisture content of lettuce samples dipped in chlorine, organic acids and ozonated water during storage. Colour, β-carotene and vitamin C values of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce did not change significantly (P > 0.05) until day 8. CONCLUSION: Lactic and citric acid and ozonated water dippings could be alternative treatments to chlorine dipping to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Impact of different washing procedures on quality of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) and endive (Cichorium endivia L.)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of alternative washing procedures on fresh-cut iceberg lettuce and endive, applying warm water (45 °C), warm water with CaCl₂ (1 g/L), and chlorinated water (4 °C, 120 ppm), respectively. Processing was conducted on pre-industrial scale, and the produce was subsequently stored in consumer-sized bags (4 °C, 10 days). O₂ and CO₂ levels in the modified atmosphere, and activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) of the samples were analyzed. Counts of total aerobic bacteria and pseudomonades were determined on the produce and in the process water. In both commodities, wound-induced PAL activities were significantly reduced by warm water treatment. In iceberg lettuce, adding CaCl₂ to warm water resulted in a further reduction of PAL activities. Chlorinated water was less effective than warm water in suppressing wound-induced PAL activity in endive, but proved to be most effective in reducing total microbial cell counts by 1.1 and 2.1 log₁₀ cfu/g in iceberg lettuce and endive, respectively. Warm water treatment exhibited reduction rates of similar magnitudes. For process water, chlorine proved to be the most efficient sanitizer. PPO and POD activities were only marginally affected by the different washing procedures. As indicated by respiration of the fresh-cut produce, warm water treatments applied retained the vitality of both plant species. The results suggest that warm water treatments are suitable measures to improve the quality of iceberg lettuce and endive, but were less efficient in sanitizing the process water.     

Survival and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Lettuce as Influenced by Shredding, Chlorine Treatment, Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Temperature

The effects of shredding, chlorine treatment and modified atmosphere packaging on survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes, mesophilic aerobes, psychrotrophs and yeasts and molds on lettuce stored at 5°C and 10°C were determined. With the exception of shredded lettuce which had not been chlorine treated, no significant changes in populations of L. monocytogenes were detected during the first 8 days of incubation at 5°C; significant increases occurred between 8 and 15 days. Significant increases occurred within 3 days when lettuce was stored at 10°C; after 10 days, populations reached 10⁸-10⁹ CFU/g. Chlorine treatment, modified atmosphere (3% O₂, 97% N₂) and shredding did not influence growth of L. monocytogenes. It was concluded that L. monocytogenes is capable of growing on lettuce subjected to commonly used packaging and distribution procedures used in the food industry.     

Effect of temperature and chlorination of pre-washing water on shelf-life and physiological properties of ready-to-use iceberg lettuce

The effects of cold and warm, chlorinated water as well as warm water without chlorination for pre-washing trimmed, cored iceberg lettuce heads was assessed regarding the shelf-life and physiological properties of the resulting ready-to-use (RTU) produce. On a pilot-plant scale, lettuce heads were shredded with or without pre-washing (50 °C, no chlorine; 4 and 50 °C, 200 mg/l free chlorine; 60 s). After shredding, lettuce was washed for 90 s (tap water, 4 °C), spin-dried, packaged in 200 g consumer-sized bags, and stored at 4 °C for ≤ 9 days. Samples were analyzed for their headspace O₂ and CO₂ levels, sensory properties, microbiological status, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity at regular intervals throughout processing and storage. Parallelly, instrumental color and texture measurements were performed. All pre-washing procedures of lettuce heads lowered the initial counts of total aerobic bacteria, pseudomonades, and Enterobacteriaceae by ≥ 1.63, ≥ 1.55, and ≥ 1.85 log₁₀ cfu/g, respectively, while the single-wash of shredded lettuce in tap water without any pre-washing resulted in significantly smaller reduction rates (0.23, 0.11, and 0.71 log₁₀ cfu/g, respectively). During storage, all pre-washing procedures had a persistent effect on bacterial counts of the RTU lettuce. Furthermore, all pre-washing procedures delayed vascular tissue browning at cut edges and retarded the decline in the overall visual quality of the samples. Whereas wound-induced PAL synthesis was reduced by the use of warm water (± chlorine), O₂ depletion and CO₂ evolution in the corresponding bags were slightly enhanced, thus proving that processing kept the food as a living tissue.Industrial relevanceReady to use fresh like produce is getting increasing attention and industrial relevance. The aim of this study was to specifically overcome problems associated with product heterogeneity. Interestingly, the use of warm tap water without chlorination as a pre-washing step proved as effective alternative to the application of cold chlorinated water without substantially compromising vitality and freshness of the product.     

Survival and growth of foodborne pathogens in minimally processed vegetables at 4 and 15 °C

Abstract: We conducted this study to investigate the survival and growth of pathogens on fresh vegetables stored at 4 and 15 °C. Vegetables (romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, perilla leaves, and sprouts) were inoculated with 4 pathogens (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7) and stored at 2 different temperatures for different periods of time (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d at 4 °C and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 d at 15 °C). Populations of the 4 pathogens tended to increase on all vegetables stored at 15 °C for 7 d. Populations of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium increased significantly, by approximately 2 log₁₀CFU/g, on loose and head lettuce stored at 15 °C for 1 d. No significant differences were observed in the growth of different pathogens on vegetables stored at 4 °C for 15 d. E. coli O157:H7 did not survive on sprouts stored at 15 or 4 °C. The survival and growth of food pathogens on fresh vegetables were very different depending on the pathogen type and storage temperature. Practical Application: Survivals and growth of pathogens on various vegetables at 4 and 15 °C were observed in this study. Survivals and growth of pathogens on vegetables were different depending on the pathogen type and storage temperature. Therefore, vegetables should be stored under refrigerated conditions (below 4 °C) prior to consumption. This recommendation may vary depending on the type of vegetable.     

SENSORY QUALITY OF READY‐TO‐EAT LETTUCE WASHED IN WARM,CHLORINATED WATER1

Three prepackaging treatments were evaluated for ready‐to‐eat (RTE) lettuce. Fresh iceberg lettuce pieces were dipped for 3 min in cold water (4C) with 100 ppm total chlorine, warm (47C) water with 100 ppm chlorine and tap water at room temperature. The lettuce was dewatered by centrifugation, packed in breathable film bags (OTR: 1600‐2000 cc/m²/24 h) and stored for 11 days at 1C. Sensory evaluation revealed that the texture and visual appearance of stored RTE lettuce were improved by the warm water treatment. However, heat processing induced changes in the flavor of the lettuce, and a chlorinaceous off‐odor was detected by some panelists.     

Survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ready-to-eat iceberg lettuce washed in warm chlorinated water

Cut iceberg lettuce inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes before and after washing for 3 min in cold (4 degrees C) and warm (47 degrees C) water containing 100 mg/liter total chlorine was stored at I and 10 degrees C in oxygen-permeable film packages (6,000 to 8,000 cc/m2/24 h). Cold chlorinated water was detrimental to the survival of E. coli O157: H7 and L. monocytogenes at both storage temperatures. In contrast, washing in warm chlorinated water favored the growth of both pathogens in lettuce stored at 10 degrees C. There was no evidence of a relationship between the magnitude of spoilage microflora and the fate of either bacterium.     

Quality of minimally processed carrots as affected by warm water washing and chlorination

Different applications of cold and warm tap water (4 °C and 50 °C) with and without chlorination, respectively, in the washing of uncut peeled carrots (Daucus carota L.) were conducted, and their effects on sensory and microbiological properties during storage for 9 days at 4 °C were assessed. To minimise cross-contamination of almost sterile inner root parts with the highly contaminated outer cortex during processing the peeled carrots were washed prior to cutting. The washing treatments were carried out using a commercial processing line, thus facilitating the scale-up to industrial production. Populations of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria on these minimally processed carrots were determined, and the sensorial quality of shredded carrots was evaluated by a sensory panel throughout storage. Additionally, colour, texture, sugars, and trichloromethanes were analysed. Washing uncut carrots with cold chlorinated water (200 mg/l, 4 °C) and warm tap water (50 °C) ensured sugar retention and reduced aerobic mesophilic bacteria by 1.7 and 2.0 log₁₀ colony forming units per gram (cfu/g), respectively, while washing with warm chlorinated water (200 mg/l) resulted in a 2.3 log₁₀ cfu/g reduction. By-product formation due to chlorination was negligible. Sensorial properties of the latter samples were slightly affected. It was shown that both washing uncut knife-peeled carrots with cold chlorinated water (4 °C) and warm tap water (50 °C), respectively, provided good microbiological safety paired with improved sensorial properties. Moreover, fresh-like character of the products was retained, as indicated by the persisting respiration of the living tissues.Industrial relevanceMinimally processed vegetables are an increasing market. Shelf-life extension and consumer safety are of immense relevance for the fresh-cut industry; therefore, the application of antimicrobial agents such as chlorine is widespread. However, various consumer groups object to the use of chlorinated water. The present study aimed at comparing the efficacy of cold and warm tap water with and without chlorination, respectively, in washing uncut carrots during the production of shredded, packaged carrots while operating on pilot-plant scale under conditions of industrial practice. In view of microbial reduction and maintenance of sensory properties, the use of cold chlorinated water and warm tap water, respectively, proved to be effective for washing peeled carrots. By-product formation due to chlorination was negligible.     

Spore-forming bacteria in commercial cooked,pasteurised and chilled vegetable purées

In commercial purées of broccoli, carrot, courgette, leek, potato and split pea, pasteurized in their final packaging and analysed at two periods, Bacillus spp. were the dominant aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB). Initial numbers were generally lower than 2 log cfu g⁻¹. They increased up to 6–8 log cfu g⁻¹after about 20 days of storage at 10°C. At 4°C, numbers of AMB after 20 days were lower than 3 log cfu g⁻¹in potato purée, lower than 4 log cfu g⁻¹in leek purée, and between 3 and 6 log cfu g⁻¹in other products. Strict anaerobes were in markedly lower numbers than AMB. At all storage temperatures tested courgette purée usually showed the most rapid bacterial growth and spoilage. On this product, an increase in storage temperature from 4°C to 10°C resulted in a threefold reduction in time to 5 log cfu g⁻¹, and time to spoilage. Growth kinetics of AMB in courgette purée at 20°C, 15°C, 10°C, 6·5°C and 4°C were determined using a mathematical model. Three hundred and forty eight isolates were identified using the API system. Bacillus circulans, B. macerans and B. polymyxa were among the main species isolated from products stored at 4°C and 10°C, while B. subtilis and B. licheniformis were the dominant species in product stored at abuse temperature. Bacillus cereus was isolated from all storage conditions, but mostly from products stored at abuse temperature.     

Injury,Inhibition and Inactivation ofEscherichia coli O157:H7 by Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Nitrite as Affected by pH and Temperature

The effect of potassium sorbate (0–2 g litre⁻¹) and sodium nitrite (0–1 g litre⁻¹) on the growth of four strains of Escherichia coli O157: H7 in tryptic soya broth at various pH levels (pH 4·0–7·0 for sorbate, pH 5·0–8·0 for nitrite) were determined at 37°C and 4°C. Among the pH levels tested, sorbate and nitrite exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity at pH 4·0 and 5·0, respectively. At pH 5·0 and 37°C, the presence of 500 mg litre⁻¹ sorbate or 200 mg litre⁻¹ nitrite completely inhibited the growth of E coli O157: H7. While at higher pH levels, 2 g litre⁻¹ sorbate or 1 g litre⁻¹, nitrite, the highest concentration tested, did not show significant antimicrobial action against the test organisms. At 4°C and pH 5·0, the inoculated test organisms did not showed any significant growth in preservative-free control media. Different degree of inactivation and injury was observed when E coli O157: H7 strain 933 was stored in TSB (pH 5·0) containing 1 g litre⁻¹ sorbate or nitrite at 37°C. At 4°C, inactivation and injury of E coli O157: H7 cells was not observed in the medium containing sorbate or nitrite throughout the 24 h experimental period.     

Use of ozone in a lettuce‐washing process: an industrial trial

Bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. may cause serious problems for the quality maintenance of pre‐packaged lettuces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of ozonated water in the washing of iceberg lettuce. For this purpose an ozone generator was integrated into a commercial lettuce‐washing facility. Lettuce samples were removed from this process and analysed for mesophilic total viable count (TVC), E. coli, Salmonella spp., vitamin C and sugar content. The analyses were carried out either directly after washing or at the end of best‐before date (BBD), in which lettuces were stored at 4 °C for 6 days. Water samples were analysed for total organic carbon (TOC) content and pH. Through the addition of ozone to the wash water the quality of lettuce during storage time was unaffected while there was only a limited observed decrease in populations of microorganisms. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Use of 1‐methylcyclopropene to extend the postharvest life of lettuce

This study examined the effect of fumigation of iceberg lettuce with 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) at 0.1–1 µl l^?1 for 1–5 h on the storage life at 5 °C in air containing 0.1 µl l^?1 ethylene. 1‐MCP extended the storage life of shredded lettuce at all concentrations, with the optimal treatment being fumigation with 0.1 µl l^?1 1‐MCP for 1 h at 5 °C, which resulted in an extension in storage life of about 50% over untreated lettuce. Application of this treatment to whole lettuce heads resulted in a 100% increase in storage life. 1‐MCP thus appears to be of considerable commercial potential for the lettuce industry. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

The fate of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 in Myzithra,Anthotyros, and Manouri whey cheeses during storage at 2 and 12°C

Myzithra, Anthotyros and Manouri whey cheeses were inoculated the day after production withEscherichia coli O157 : H7 at concentrations of approx. 1·8×10⁶cfu g⁻¹, and stored at 2 and 12°C for 30 and 20 days, respectively. The pH of the whey cheeses decreased from an initial value of approx. 6·20 to 5·83 or 5·60 (Myzithra) 5·75 or 5·20 (Anthotyros) and 5·80 or 5·30 (Manouri) by the end of the corresponding storage periods at 2 and 12°C, respectively. Escherichia coli O157 : H7 populations in the whey cheeses at the end of the 12°C storage period, had grown with an increase of approx. 1·3 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹. E. coli O157 : H7 populations in whey cheeses at the end of the 2°C storage period did not grow and decreased, with an approx. 2·5 log₁₀cfu g⁻¹reduction. Results showed that E. coli O157 : H7 can grow at 12°C and survive at 2°C storage in Myzithra, Anthotyros and Manouri whey cheeses, and therefore post-manufacturing contamination with this pathogen must be avoided by employing hygienic control programmes such as HACCP.     

Water Vapor Permeability of an Edible, Fatty Acid, Bilayer Film

A bilayer film consisting of stearic and palmitic acids as one layer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as the other was prepared. The permeability of this film to water vapor was tested under a variety of conditions involving film composition, temperature and relative humidity. This film exhibited permeability values (g · mil w m⁻²· day⁻¹· mm Hg⁻¹) of 0.5 at 40°C 0.3 at 25°C 1.7 at 5°C, and 6.0 at −19°C. This film would be expected to perform well at relative humidities below 90% and temperatures within the range of 40°C to -19°C.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Fresh Beansprouts

Freshly harvested beansprouts displayed a respiration rate of about 1 mmol O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 10°C which was strongly dependent on temperature, a 10-fold increase being observed every 16·5°C (z=16·5°C, ie Q₁₀=4·4). This commodity is also characterised by a high initial microbial load (about 10⁷ cells g⁻¹). During storage at various temperatures from 1 to 20°C, oxygen uptake rates dramatically increased with time and this phenomenon was well correlated with the development of aerobic microorganisms which reached 10⁹ cells g⁻¹ after 2 days at 20°C or 9 days at 1°C. Beansprouts were packaged in films, with permeabilities ranging from 950 to 200000 ml O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹ atm⁻¹, and stored at 8°C. Due to plant and microbial metabolism, oxygen concentrations decreased steadily within all packs until the onset of plant tissue decay. The latter occurred after 5–6 days with the least permeable films but did not occur within when the film permeability was over 100000 ml O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹ atm⁻¹. However, such films favoured brown discolouration, exudation texture and breakdown. The orientated polypropylene film (OPP) induced anoxic condition within 2 days and favoured anaerobic metabolism and necrosis of the sprouts. In all packages there was a rapid development of aerobic microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria that resulted in the accumulation of acetate and lactate and a decrease in pH. Thus, it clearly appeared that tissue decay was enhanced by microbial activity. At 8°C, 0·24 m² of film per kg of sprouts provided the optimal atmosphere composition (ie 5% oxygen and 15% carbon dioxide) when a film permeability of 50000 ml O₂ m⁻² day⁻¹ atm⁻¹ was used. These conditions allowed a shelf-life of 4–5 days.     

Chemical and microbial stability of high moisture dried apricots during storage

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the chemical and microbial stability of high moisture (HM) dried apricots during storage at 5, 20 and 30 °C for a period of 8 months. HM dried apricots were obtained by rehydrating dried apricots in ‘water’ and ‘water + H₂O₂’. RESULTS: Analysis of kinetic data suggested first‐order models for loss of SO₂ and non‐enzymatic browning reactions. Higher storage temperatures increased the rate of SO₂ loss and formation of brown colour in HM dried apricots. Results from extensive colour measurements (non‐enzymatic browning, reflectance colour and β‐carotene) revealed that the colour of HM dried apricots stored at 5 °C was almost unchanged during 8 months of storage. The colour of samples stored at 30 °C was unacceptable starting from 2 months of storage. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts decreased 0.7, 1.1 and 1.5 log cycles after 8 months of storage at 5, 20 and 30 °C, respectively. For the same storage period, the decrease in mesophilic bacteria was 0.62 log cycle in samples rehydrated in ‘water + H₂O₂’ and stored at 20 °C. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HM dried apricots should be stored at temperatures lower than 20 °C to preserve the characteristic golden yellow colour. A relatively low level of SO₂ (1458 mg kg^?1 at 200 g kg^?1 moisture level) was sufficient to prevent the growth of spoilage organisms in HM dried apricots at all three storage temperatures. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Survival of hepatitis A virus on modified atmosphere-packaged (MAP) lettuce

Experiments were designed to study the effect of various modified atmospheres (MA) on the survival rate of hepatitis A virus (HAV) on lettuce. Pieces of lettuce inoculated with HAV were incubated at room temperature (RT) and 4°C for 12 days in ambient air and under various modified atmospheres (CO₂:N₂at 30:70, 50:50, 70:30 and 100% CO₂) inside plastic bags of low O₂permeability. Samples were removed on days 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 and the virus was recovered and plaque-assayed to determine residual titer. Incubation for 12 days at 4°C showed that the lowest HAV survival rate (47·5%) was on lettuce stored in a petri-dish (atmospheric air), whereas the greatest survival rates (83·6%) was on lettuce stored under 70% CO₂. Statistical analysis of virus survival at 4°C indicated that HAV titers decreased for all packages, but without a significant (P>0·05) difference between the package types. At RT, however, a significantly (P<0·05) lower HAV survival rate (0·01%) was evident on lettuce stored in a petri dish, whereas survival rates as high as 42·8% were observed on lettuce stored under 70% CO₂; much lower survival rates (≤8·6%) were obtained on lettuce stored under other MAP environments at RT. Statistical analysis of the RT data indicated that there was a highly significant (P<0·05) decrease in HAV titre with increasing storage time and between package types, except for lettuce stored under 70% CO₂. These data indicate that MAP does not influence HAV survival when present on the surface of produce incubated at 4°C. A slight improvement in virus survival on lettuce was seen in the presence of high CO₂levels at RT. This may have been attributed to the inhibition of spoilage-causing enzymatic activities in the lettuce, which may have reduced exposure of the virus to potential toxic by-products.     

Fate of Escherichia coliO157: H7 in Chinese-style sausage subjected to different packaging and storage conditions

In this study, Chinese-style sausages were subjected to air, vacuum or nitrogen packaging and stored at either 5 or 25°C. The survival characteristics of Escherichia coli O157: H7 during the storage period were determined. Results revealed that, when stored at 5°C, the number of viable E coli O157: H7 in sausages decreased slowly as the storage period extended, regardless of packaging methods. E coli O157: H7 in sausages decreased from an initial population of ca 5·97 log CFU g⁻¹ to ca 4·42–4·81 log CFU g⁻¹ after 40 days of storage at 5°C. It was also found that viable cells of E coli O157: H7 declined more rapidly in sausage stored at 25°C than at 5°C. No viable E coli O157: H7 was detected in either vacuum-packed or nitrogen-packed sausage after 40 days of storage at 25°C. On the other hand, the population of E coli O157: H7 reduced to non-detectable levels in air-packed sausages after 20 days of storage. Refrigerated storage and vacuum or nitrogen packaging provided conditions that slowed down the death rate of E coli O157: H7 in sausage. Furthermore, it was noted that, among the curing agents tested, NaCl exerted the most significant lethal effect on E coli O157: H7 in sausage during the storage period. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Properties of polyphenol oxidase in mango (Mangifera indica) kernel

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of filtered extract of ground mango kernel suspension (400 g litre⁻¹) was studied spectrophotometrically at 420 nm using catechol as substrate. The enzyme was most active at pH 6·0 and 25°C. Activity was reduced by 50% at pH values of 5·0 and 7·1, and also at temperatures of 14°C and 30°C. The calculated activation energy and the Michaelis constant (K_m) were 21·4 kcal mol⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and 24·6 mM , respectively. The V_max value was 2·14 units g⁻¹ mango kernel. The time to heat inactivate PPO decreased rapidly to < 10 min with increasing temperature of ⩾ 70°C at 50% activity. © 1998 SCI.