Efficacy of lactic acid against Listeria monocytogenes attached to poultry skin during refrigerated storage.
- González-Fandos, E. 1
- Dominguez, J.L. 1
-
1
Universidad de La Rioja
info
ISSN: 1364-5072
Argitalpen urtea: 2006
Alea: 101
Zenbakia: 6
Orrialdeak: 1331-1339
Mota: Artikulua
Beste argitalpen batzuk: Journal of Applied Microbiology (Print)
Laburpena
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid washing on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on poultry legs stored at 4°C for 7 days. Methods and Results: Fresh inoculated chicken legs were dipped into either a 0.11, 0.22 mol l-1 or 0.55 mol l-1 lactic acid solution for 5 min or distilled water (control). Surface pH values, sensorial characteristics and L. monocytogenes, mesophiles and pychrotrophs counts were evaluated after treatment (day 0) and after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of storage at 4°C. Legs washed with 0.55 mol l-1 lactic acid for 5 min showed a significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes compared with control legs, being about 1.74 log units lower in the first ones than in control legs after 7 days of storage. Sensory quality was not adversely affected by lactic acid, with the exception of colour. Conclusions: Treatments with 0.55 mol l-1 lactic acid reduced bacterial growth and preserved reasonable sensorial quality after storage at 4°C for 7 days. However, it was observed a reduction in the colour score within 1 day post-treatment with 0.55 mol l-1 lactic. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates that, while lactic acid did reduce populations of L. monocytogenes on poultry, it did not completely inactivate the pathogen. The application of lactic acid may be used as an additional hurdle contributing to extend the shelf-life of raw poultry. © 2006 The Authors.