Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Vacuum-Packaged Pre-Peeled Potatoes |
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| Authors: | VIJAY K JUNEJA STEFAN T MARTIN GERALD M SAPERS |
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| Affiliation: | Authors Juneja and Sapers are with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 E. Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038 and author Martin is with EPL Technologies, Inc., 2 International Plaza, Suite 245, Philadelphia, PA 19113-1507. |
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| Abstract: | Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on the surface of fresh peeled potatoes, treated with sulfite or a commercial browning inhibitor (CBI), packaged under vacuum and stored at 4,15 and 28°C was determined. At 4°C, L. monocytogenes did not grow in all treated potatoes even after 21 days. At 15°C, L. monocytogenes grew to 7 log10 CFU/g within 12 days in the potatoes treated with sulfite or CBI. At 28°C, L. monocytogenes population was greater than 3 log10 CFU/g by 24 h in all samples regardless of treatment. Sulfites or a CBI appeared to provide a measure of safety in pre-peeled potatoes packaged under vacuum when kept at proper refrigeration temperatures. |
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| Keywords: | Listeria monocytogenes browning inhibitor potatoes |
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