Antimicrobial activity of pediocin-producing Lactococcus lactis on Listeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cheese

The antimicrobial activity of two pediocin-producing transformants obtained from wild strains of Lactococcus lactis on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 during cheese ripening was investigated. Cheeses were manufactured from milk inoculated with the three pathogens, each at approximately 6 log cfu mL⁻¹. Pediococcus acidilactici 347 (Ped⁺), Lc. lactis ESI 153, Lc. lactis ESI 515 (Nis⁺) and their respective pediocin-producing transformants Lc. lactis CL1 (Ped⁺) and Lc. lactis CL2 (Nis⁺, Ped⁺) were added at 1% as adjuncts to the starter culture. After 30 d, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 counts were 5.30, 5.16 and 4.14 log cfu g⁻¹ in control cheese made without adjunct culture. On day 30, pediocin-producing derivatives Lc. lactis CL1 and Lc. lactis CL2 lowered L. monocytogenes counts by 2.97 and 1.64 log units, S. aureus by 0.98 and 0.40 log units, and E. coli O157:H7 by 0.84 and 1.69 log units with respect to control cheese. All cheeses made with nisin-producing LAB exhibited bacteriocin activity throughout ripening. Pediocin activity was only detected throughout the whole ripening period in cheese with Lc. lactis CL1. Because of the antimicrobial activity of pediocin PA-1, its production in situ by strains of LAB growing efficiently in milk would extend the application of this bacteriocin in cheese manufacture.     

Addition of probiotic bacteria in a semi-hard goat cheese (coalho): Survival to simulated gastrointestinal conditions and inhibitory effect against pathogenic bacteria

In this study, the survival of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5), Lactobacillus casei subsp. paracasei (L. casei 01) and Bifidobacterium lactis (BB12) incorporated in a Brazilian semi-hard goat cheese (coalho) when exposed to in vitro simulated conditions of digestion was assessed. The inhibitory effects of these probiotic bacteria were also evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the goat coalho cheese during refrigerated storage. At the end of the in vitro digestion, all of the probiotic tested strains presented decreased (p < 0.05) viable cell counts (5.5–6.0 log cfu/g) with respect to those determined before exposure to the mouth conditions (7–8 log cfu/g). L. casei subsp. paracasei presented inhibition rate of 7.87% and 23.63% against S. aureus on the 14th and 21st day of storage at 10 °C, respectively; against L. monocytogenes these values were 12.96 and 32.99%. Positive inhibition rates of B. lactis toward S. aureus were found on the 1st, 14th and 21st days of storage (16.32%, 10.12% and 3.67%, respectively); and against L. monocytogenes only on the 1st day of storage (3.28%). From these results, goat coalho cheese could be an interesting carrier of probiotic strains of L. acidophilus, L. casei subsp. paracasei and B. lactis. Moreover, L. casei subsp. paracasei, could be used as protective culture for delaying the growth of S. aureus and L. monocytogenes in goat coalho cheese.     

Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria against Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters formulated with and without lactate/diacetate

Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes has been a constant public health threat for the ready-to-eat (RTE) meat industry due to the potential for high mortalities from listeriosis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have shown protective action against various pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antilisterial activity of a combination of three LAB strains (Lactiguard®) on L. monocytogenes. The combination of the LAB was inhibitory to L. monocytogenes inoculated onto frankfurters not containing lactate/diacetate after 8 weeks of refrigerated storage (0.6 log reduction compared to L. monocytogenes only control), and when a cell free extract (CFS) of the LAB was added with LAB even more inhibition was obtained (1.2 log reduction compared with L. monocytogenes only). In frankfurters containing lactate/diacetate the LAB and the LAB plus CFS were more effective in reducing growth of L. monocytogenes after 8 weeks of refrigerated storage (2 and 3.3 log reductions respectively).     

Antibacterial potential of Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from ewes’ milk and cheese

The study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of three bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strains (TW15, TW20 and TW22) isolated from ewes’ milk and cheese sampled in the Patagonian region of Argentina. The strains were tested against spoilage and pathogens microorganisms showing antimicrobial activity towards 4 strains of Listeria monocytogenes, one strain of Listeria innocua and 2 strains of Staphylococcus aureus. E. faecium TW15, E. faecium TW20 and E. faecium TW22 were sensitive to vancomycin. Furthermore, investigation of virulence factors revealed the absence of the genes encoding them. The bacteriocin-like substances (BLISs) produced by the 3 strains were thermostable, pH resistant and can be expressed even in the presence of NaCl (3.0 g/100 g). Moreover, they prove to have a bactericidal mode of action. Results from physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of BLIS produced by these E. faecium strains make them potential candidates to aid in preservation of foods.     

Identification of cultivable lactic acid bacteria isolated from Algerian raw goat's milk and evaluation of their technological properties

One hundred and fifty-eight strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Algerian raw goat's milk were identified and technologically characterized. Five genera were found: Lactobacillus (50.63%), Lactococcus (25.94%), Streptococcus (14.56%), Leuconostoc (7.59%) and Pediococcus (1.26%). The predominant species were Lactococcus lactis (32 strains), Streptococcus thermophilus (23 strains), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (19 strains), Lb. helveticus (16 strains) and Lb. plantarum (14 strains).Approximately 39% of the lactic acid bacteria isolated produced more than 0.6% lactic acid (w/v) after 18 h of incubation, and belonged to the Lactococcus and Lactobacillus genera. The highest proteolytic activity was approximately 3 mg tyrosine l⁻¹ for mesophilic strains and nearly 5 mg tyrosine l⁻¹ for thermophilic lactobacilli after 72 h. High aromatic activity (more than 0.8 mg diacetyl l⁻¹ after 16 h) was detected in 14% of the strains.Nine strains were used to make dairy products (a yoghurt-like product and Edam-type cheese) on a pilot scale in the laboratory. The best-liked organoleptic characteristics were noted in a yoghurt produced with a mixed culture made up of S. thermophilus (strain 16TMC+) and Lb. helveticus (strain 20TMC) and in a cheese made with a starter composed of Lc. lactis subsp. lactis (strain 10MCM) and L. lactis subsp. lactis (V.P. +) (strain 19MCM).     

Fate of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strain during manufacture of Jben,a Moroccan traditional fresh cheese

The inhibitory effect of nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis UL730 on the growth of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus J10 during manufacture of Jben, a Moroccan traditional fresh cheese prepared from recombined milk, was investigated.With an inoculum level of 10³ cfu mL⁻¹, S. aureus was absent in Jben four days after inoculation when the nisin-producing lactococcus was used as lactic starter. In contrast, it survived after that period, when the starter was non-nisin-producing. No staphylococcal thermonuclease was detected in all Jben samples made from milk inoculated with S. aureus at the level of 10³ cfu mL⁻¹.With a higher inoculum of 10⁵ cfu mL⁻¹, S. aureus was still present in Jben after manufacture and persisted during the storage of the product for 3 days in the laboratory, even when the starter used was nisin-producing. Staphylococcal thermonuclease and type C enterotoxin were detected in all Jben samples made from milk inoculated with 10⁵ cfu mL⁻¹. Thermonuclease and enterotoxin were already produced in the coagulum, at 24 h after milk inoculation with S. aureus.     

Diversity and probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria isolated from gilaburu,a traditional Turkish fermented European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit drink

The aim of the present study was to characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from traditional fermented gilaburu fruit juice and their probiotic potential. The LAB counts of the fermented gilaburu fruit juice were in the range of 3.92–8.30 log cfu/g. Total of 332 isolates belonging to Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species were characterized from traditional fermented gilaburu juice by genotypic methods. It was also determined that the major LAB strains belong to Lactobacillus plantarum (173 isolates), Lactobacillus casei (52 isolates) and Lactobacillus brevis (24 isolates), while Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus parabuchneri, Lactobacillus pantheris, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Lactobacillus harbinensis were the least in isolated LAB strains. In terms of the probiotic potentials, Lb. plantarum strains were able to grow at pH 2.5, but 3 of Lb. casei strains, one of each Lb. brevis and Lb. buchneri strains could not grow at the same pH. All selected LAB stains were resistant to bile salt at ≤ 0.3% concentration. While all the LAB species grew at 15 °C, two Lactobacillus hordei strains could also grow at 45 °C. The highest cell hydrophobicity degrees were for Lb. casei (G20a) and Lb. plantarum (G19e) as 87.5 and 86.0%, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus were the most sensitive bacteria against the selected LAB strains, while Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant. Again all the isolated LAB species were resistant to three antibiotics; kanamycin, streptomycin and vancomycin. Characterization and probiotic potentials of the LAB isolated from fermented gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice were studied first time, and further research needs to be done on their behaviors in similar food formulations as a probiotic.     

Antibiotic resistance and susceptibility to some food preservative measures of spoilage and pathogenic micro-organisms from spices

Antibiogram of 84 strains of Bacillus cereus, 26 strains of Clostridium perfringens, four strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 51 strains of Enterobacteriaceae, two strains of each of Salmonella and Shigella; isolated from spices, were studied against 20 different antibiotics that are commonly used against foodborne diseases, mainly gastroenteritis. All the tested strains of B. cereus, Cl. perfringens, Staph. aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella were found resistant to at least 3, 4, 7, 6, 10 and 9 antibiotics, respectively. In brain–heart infusion broth supplemented with glucose, the D_100°C-values for B. cereus were 3.5–5.9 min, and the z-values were 17–18°C. The D_100°C-values for Cl. perfringens in fluid thioglycolate medium were higher (10.0–19.8 min) than those of B. cereus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sodium chloride were 45–80 mg ml⁻¹. While the MIC of benzoic acid for Cl. perfringens, tested on perfringens agar (pH 7.3) plates by incubating anaerobially at 35°C for 24 h, was 1.9–2.2 mg ml⁻¹, for others, tested on nutrient agar (pH 6.8) plates by incubating at 35°C for 18 h in static aerobic condition, it was much less. Similarly, the MIC of sorbic acid for all the tested isolates, excepting Cl. perfringens, was 0.6–1.1 mg ml⁻¹. Of the eight isolates of Cl. perfringens, only three were inhibited at 2.0 mg sorbic acid ml⁻¹, while others were resistant. Sixty percent and 75% of the respective strains of B. cereus and Cl. perfringens were resistant to 5000 IU Nisaplin ml⁻¹, whereas the MIC values of Staph. aureus were between 3000 and 5000 IU ml⁻¹. While studying combined effect of selected hurdles on the growth of enterotoxigenic Cl. perfringens 16-C2, the judicious combination considered was low acid (pH 6.0), 30 mg sodium chloride ml⁻¹ and 1.25 mg benzoic acid ml⁻¹.     

The effect of kimchi on the microbiological stability of fermented sausage

The effects of kimchi and freeze-dried kimchi-powder added to raw meat mixtures on the microbiological quality of fermented sausage were studied. The results clearly demonstrated that the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) integrated via the addition of kimchi as well as kimchi-powder were well adapted to the new habitat of fermenting sausage, reaching maximum numbers of 8.65–8.80 log₁₀ cfu/g after 1–2 days of fermentation. In all kimchi and kimchi-powder sausages, the growth of Enterobacteriaceae was completely inhibited throughout the processing period (< 2 log₁₀ cfu/g). The sausage batches containing more than 10% kimchi and 2% kimchi-powder showed no growth of S. aureus, whereas the control and another kimchi sausage batch reflected the growth of S. aureus (3.68–4.72 log₁₀ cfu/g). As a result, the addition of kimchi (≥ 10%) and kimchi-powder to the sausage mixture prior to fermentation produced the microbiological stability required for fermented sausages.     

Biocontrol of Staphylococcus aureus in curd manufacturing processes using bacteriophages

The ability of specific bacteriophages to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth in curd manufacturing processes was determined. Two lytic bacteriophages specific against S. aureus were obtained by DNA random deletion from the milk-isolated temperate phages, ΦH5 and ΦA72. A cocktail of these lytic phages, Φ88 and Φ35, at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100, produced a complete elimination of 3×10⁶ cfu mL⁻¹ of the pathogen in ultra-high-temperature (UHT) whole milk at 37 °C. Furthermore, the frequency of emergence of bacteriophage-insensitive mutants was reduced up to 200-fold in the presence of the two lytic phages compared with that detected with the combination of the temperate counterparts. The lytic phage derivatives, added to milk, were able to decrease rapidly the viable counts of S. aureus during curd manufacture. In acid curd, the pathogen was not detected after 4 h of incubation at 25 °C, whereas pathogen clearance was achieved within 1 h of incubation at 30 °C in renneted curd. These results indicate that lytic bacteriophages could be used as biopreservatives in the manufacture of particular dairy products.     

Influence of preprocessing methods and fermentation of adzuki beans on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation by lactic acid bacteria

The effects of pre-processes (immersing, germinating, and cold shock) and fermentation conditions of adzuki beans on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation using mixed cultures of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were investigated in this study. Among the preprocessing methods, cold shock treatment resulted in the highest observed GABA content (201.2 mg/100 g); a 150-fold increase compared to the non-treated adzuki beans. The LAB strains grew rapidly in cold-treated adzuki bean substrates and reached 10⁸ cfu/ml after 24 h of fermentation at 30 °C. After optimization, the GABA yield reached 68.2 mg/100 ml; a 20-fold increase compared to the non-fermentation yield. The viable cell counts of LAB remained above 10⁸ cfu/ml after 28 days of storage at 4 °C. Our results suggest that the combination of cold shock pretreatment and fermentation by LAB may be used for the preparation of adzuki beans with high GABA content, which can then be used as a natural resource of functional foods.     

Relating physicochemical and microbiological safety indicators during processing of linguiça,a Portuguese traditional dry-fermented sausage

Linguiça is a Portuguese traditional fermented sausage whose microbiological quality and safety can be highly variable. In order to elucidate risk factors and the particularities of the manufacturing technology that explain the between-batch variability in total viable counts (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in the product; microbiological and physicochemical characterisation of linguiça at five stages of production (i.e., raw pork meat, mixed with ingredients, macerated, smoked and ripened) was carried out. A total of six production batches were surveyed from two factories; one utilised curing salts and polyphosphate in their formulation (Factory II). The delayed fermentation in the nitrite-formulated sausages was partly responsible for the increase (p < 0.01) in Enterobacteriaceae, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes from raw meat (3.21 log CFU/g, 1.30 log CFU/g and 22.2 CFU/g, respectively) to the end of maceration (4.14 log CFU/g, 2.10 log CFU/g and 140 CFU/g, respectively) while the better acidification process in the nitrite-free sausages (Factory I) led to lower counts of S. aureus (2.64 log CFU/g) and L. monocytogenes (10 CFU/g) in the finished products. In Factory II, although L. monocytogenes entered the chain at the point of mixing, it became steadily inactivated during smoking and ripening (< 50 CFU/g), despite the initially-delayed fermentation. Nitrite had a strong effect on reducing Enterobacteriaceae throughout smoking (r = − 0.73) and ripening (r = − 0.59), while it failed to control the growth of S. aureus. The main hurdle preventing the development of S. aureus in linguiça is the pH, and other factors contributing to its control are: longer ripening days (p = 0.019), low S. aureus in raw meat (p = 0.098), properly-washed casings (p = 0.094), and less contamination during mixing (p = 0.199). In the case of L. monocytogenes, at least three hurdles hinder its development in linguiça: low a_w (p = 0.004), low pH (p = 0.040) and nitrite (p = 0.060), and other factors contributing to its control are: longer ripening (p = 0.072) and maceration (p = 0.106) periods, lower a_w at the end of smoking (p = 0.076) and properly-washed casings (p = 0.099). Results have shown that there is a need to standardise the productive process of linguiça, to optimise the initial acidification process, and to reinforce proper programmes of quality control of ingredients and good hygiene practices, so as to minimise the introduction of Enterobacteriaceae and pathogens from external sources.     

Phospholipid nanovesicles containing a bacteriocin-like substance for control of Listeria monocytogenes

Bacillus licheniformis strain P40 produces a bacteriocin-like substance (BLS) that has potential to be used as a natural biopreservative for control of pathogenic and food microorganisms. The objective of this study was the encapsulation of BLS in phosphatidylcholine vesicles, evaluating its antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. The size of the nanovesicles with the BLS was around 570 nm and of the nanovesicles without BLS was of approximately 484.8 nm, as determined by light scattering with a He–Ne laser (λ = 632.8 nm) as light source. The encapsulated BLS showed inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes as observed by agar diffusion assay. Complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes growth was observed with the addition of 100 and 50 AU mL^− 1 of encapsulated and free BLS, respectively. A reduction in the number of viable cells to zero was observed after 10 min incubation with 400 AU mL^− 1 of either encapsulated or free BLS. The encapsulated BLS was stable for up to 30 days at 4 °C. These results indicate that nanovesicles containing BLS may have potential for use as food preservative.Industrial relevanceThe increased concern on minimally processed food and natural additives has been stimulated many studies on the utilization of antimicrobial peptides as biopreservatives. The incorporation of bacteriocins into nanovesicles may represents an interesting alternative for controlled release and increased stability of bacteriocins.     

In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fish intestines and fermented fish from the Sanriku Satoumi region in Japan

The Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, defines a Satoumi as a coastal area where biological productivity and biodiversity has increased through human interaction. As a way to identify new starters and probiotics, we isolated and screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with acid, bile, and salt resistance from the intestines of 23 fish and 11 fermented fish samples obtained from the northeastern (Sanriku) Satoumi region of Japan. Of the 301 isolates, 75 strains were selected as LAB, 6 of which clearly showed increased antioxidant activities (DPPH and O₂⁻ radical scavenging and Fe-reducing power) in their cultured broth. Four isolates (S-SU1, 3–5) were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. The two other strains (S-SU2, 6) identified were Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus. In these in vitro assays, Lc. lactis S-SU2, isolated from sea pineapple kimchi showed the highest radical scavenging capacity. Moreover, the protective effect of heat-killed cells against the toxicity of 3 mM H₂O₂ on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the highest for Lb. plantarum S-SU1 isolated from a salted squid product, followed by P. pentosaceus S-SU6 isolated from the intestines of blue mackerel. Furthermore, Lb. plantarum S-SU5 showed inhibitory effect against the toxicity of 3 mM H₂O₂ in human enterocyte-like HT-29-luc cells and on nitrite (NO) production in mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cells, which was induced by Escherichia coli O111 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These results suggest that the selected LAB strains are potential starters and/or functional components with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Rapid and real-time prediction of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in farmed salmon flesh using near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometric analysis

In this study, hyperspectral imaging working in near-infrared (NIR) region (900–1700 nm) was applied to evaluate surface lactic acid bacteria (LAB) spoilage of farmed salmon flesh during cold storage. Hyperspectral images of salmon samples were acquired at different storage times. Spectral information within regions of interest (ROIs) of images were extracted to relate to reference LAB values measured by standard pour plate method. Least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) algorithm was used to calibrate the full NIR range spectral data, resulting in regression coefficients of prediction (R_P) of 0.929 with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.515. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm was employed to reduce the spectral redundancy and identify the most informative wavelengths (MIWs) most related with LAB prediction across the whole wavelength range. Eight individual MIWs at 1155 nm, 1255 nm, 1373 nm, 1376 nm, 1436 nm, 1641 nm, 1665 nm and 1689 nm were finally selected from the full 239 wavelengths. Based on the selected MIWs, a new optimised model named CARS-LS-SVM was established, leading to R_P of 0.925 with RMSEP of 0.531. At last, the CARS-LS-SVM model was transferred to each pixel of hyperspectral images of samples and colour maps were generated for visualising the LAB spoilage process in salmon flesh. The overall results indicated that NIR hyperspectral imaging is very potential and could be used as a rapid, non-destructive and efficient technique for LAB evaluation in salmon flesh.     

Factors affecting the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus CCRC 12657 to water soluble lactose chitosan derivative

In this study, the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus CCRC 12657 to water-soluble lactose chitosan derivative as influenced by pH, temperature and cell age were investigated. Besides, the effect of this chitosan derivative on enterotoxin production and cell leakage of S. aureus CCRC 12657 was also examined.It was found that the susceptibility of S. aureus CCRC 12657 to lactose chitosan derivative varied with incubation temperature, pH and cell age. The lactose chitosan derivative exerted a higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus CCRC 12657 at 37°C than at 22 and 5°C. At pH 6.5–7.0, S. aureus CCRC 12657 was more susceptible to the chitosan derivative than at pH 6.0 or 7.5. Besides, cells of S. aureus CCRC 12657 in the late-exponential phase (12 h) were most susceptible to the chitosan derivative followed by cells in the stationary phase (24 h) and mid-exponential phase (6 h). Supernatant of cell suspension showed a marked increase in absorbance at 280 nm after the cells of the test organism were exposed to deionized water-containing lactose chitosan derivative. Furthermore, it was also noted that the lactose chitosan derivative not only caused the death of S. aureus CCRC 12657 but also inhibited enterotoxin production in Brain–Heart infusion broth.     

Antimicrobial activity of nanoliposomes co-encapsulating nisin and garlic extract against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in milk

Nisin and garlic extract (GE) were co-encapsulated into phosphatidylcholine nanoliposomes. The mean diameter and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 179 nm and − 27.7 mV, respectively, with an entrapment efficiency of about 82% and 90% for nisin and GE, respectively. The efficiency of free and encapsulated nisin-GE to control the development of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed over time in whole milk at 37 °C. At such abuse temperature conditions, both free and liposomal nisin-GE resulted a difference of 1–4 log CFU/ml against the strains tested, when compared with free nisin and GE separately. A difference of 5–6 log CFU/ml in viable counts of Gram-positive strains and 3–4 log CFU/ml for Gram-negative bacteria was observed for treatments with nisin-GE when compared to the control. The effect of nisin-GE on L. monocytogenes was evaluated under refrigeration (7 ± 1 °C) for up to 25 days. Viable counts for treatments with free and encapsulated nisin-GE were 4–5 log CFU/ml lower than the values reached by the control. Liposome encapsulation of natural antimicrobials with synergistic effect may be important to overcome stability issues and undesirable interaction with food components. The results of this study indicated that nanoliposome-encapsulated nisin-GE has potential as an antimicrobial formulation for food use.Industrial relevanceThere is increased interest for minimally processed foods and natural additives, which agrees with the use of natural antimicrobials as food preservatives. Co-encapsulation of antimicrobials may extend the inhibitory spectrum and effectiveness in controlling food pathogens. The use of nanoliposomes for delivery of natural antimicrobials in dairy products represents an interesting alternative for controlled release of biopreservatives and improvement of food quality and shelf life.     

Considerations for post-lethality treatments to reduce Listeria monocytogenes from fully cooked bologna using ambient and pressurized steam

During processing of ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meats, any secondary processing procedures such as peeling and cutting introduce the distinct possibility of cross-contamination between equipment, personnel, and food. To eliminate or reduce pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and ensure food safety, RTE deli meats can be pasteurized prior to or after packaging. In this study, ambient steam in-package pasteurization was compared with pressurized steam prepackaging pasteurization to reduce L. monocytogenes from fully cooked RTE bologna. The bologna (14 cm diameter×1.5 cm thickness) samples were surface-inoculated to contain about 8 log₁₀ of L. monocytogenes. To achieve 2 log reductions for L. monocytogenes, the bologna samples needed to be treated for about 10 s in pressurized steam at 131 °C or for about 2.5 min in ambient steam at 100 °C. The pasteurization time using pressurized steam treatment was about 75–90% shorter than using ambient steam treatment. Pressurized steam treatment may be integrated into a vacuum packaging unit to effectively eradicate L. monocytogenes from RTE meats just prior to sealing the retail packages to further reduce the treatment time, avoid post-treatment recontaminations by pathogens, and improve food safety without detrimentally affecting meat quality.     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of essential oil from pink pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) in vitro and in cheese experimentally contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Natural compounds with preservative activity have gained prominence in the field of food science as an alternative to traditional additives. To be effective, biopreservatives must have antioxidant and/or antimicrobial activities, characteristics often found in the essential oils (EO). This study aimed to verify the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of EO from pink pepper tree fruit. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro on 18 bacteria, and in situ (Minas-type fresh cheese) against Listeria monocytogenes during storage (30 days/4 °C). The EO from ripe fruit showed the greatest activity in in vitro tests (MBC of 6.8 mg/mL for L. monocytogenes) and exhibited biopreservative activity in situ, having reduced the development of L. monocytogenes by 1.3 log CFU/g in 30 days. The values of peroxides and malonaldehydes were reduced by 3 Meq O₂/Kg and 0.15 mg MDA/Kg, respectively, in 30 days. Results demonstrate that this EO has the potential to act as a preservative in food.Industrial relevanceThe pink pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) is a plant with favorable features for industrial use, but little exploited by the food industry so far. In this work, the essential oil (EO) of the pink pepper tree was presented as an alternative to us of preservatives traditionally applied in food. For this, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the EO were evaluated and discussed, analyzing its effects initially in vitro and after in situ, in order to infer the technological potential for application this extract may have use as a food biopreservative.     

Biotyping and enterotoxigenicity of Staphylococci isolated from fresh and frozen meat marketed in Jordan

A total of 286 fresh and processed meat samples marketed in Jordan were collected for isolation and typing of Staphylococci. Devriese’s system was followed for biotyping of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and enterotoxigenicity of the isolates was also determined. S. aureus subsp. aureus was found in 80.8% of the samples. Means counts for meats of the various sources ranged from 5.3 × 10² to 4.3 × 10⁴ cfu/g. However, only 33.6% of the samples had coagulase positive Staphylococci. Biotyping of S. aureus subsp. aureus isolates revealed that 12%, 24%, 8%, and 27% are human, bovine, ovine and non-host specific biovars, respectively. Only 28% of these isolates, of unknown type, were isolated from goat’s meat. Enterotoxigenic S. aureus subsp. aureus isolates accounted for 13.5% of a total of 231 Staphylococci. The non-S. aureus enterotoxigenic isolates were identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus sciuri and Staphylococcus intermedius. Staphylococci enterotoxin types A, C, and B accounted for 57%, 36% and 7% of the isolated S. aureus subsp. aureus, respectively. This study showed that the enterotoxigenic Staphylococci represent a potential hazard in meat and the Devriese’s biotyping system needs to be extended to accommodate the isolates of unknown type.