scholarly journals Investigating the Effects of Time and Temperature on the Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in Raw Cow’s Milk Based on Simulated Consumer Food Handling Practices

Author(s):  
Roselyn M. Leclair ◽  
Sarah K. McLean ◽  
Louise A. Dunn ◽  
Denny Meyer ◽  
Enzo A. Palombo

Consumption of raw cow’s milk (RCM) is increasing in popularity in developed countries despite the associated foodborne disease risks. While previous research has focused on consumer motivations for drinking RCM, there is limited research on how consumer handling practices may impact the microbiological safety of RCM. In this study, consumer handling practices associated with transport, storage, and freezing and thawing were simulated to investigate the impact of time and temperature variables on the concentrations of either Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Listeria monocytogenes in RCM. We found that the type of storage during simulated transport had a large (η2 = 0.70) and significant (p < 0.001) effect on both pathogens. The refrigeration temperature also had a large (η2 = 0.43) and significant (p < 0.001) effect on both pathogens during refrigerated storage. The interaction between pathogen species and initial pathogen inoculum level had a large (η2 = 0.20) and significant (p = 0.012) effect on the concentration of the pathogens during ambient temperature storage. We found that freezing and thawing practices did not have a significant effect on the pathogens (p > 0.05). However, we were able to recover L. monocytogenes, but not E. coli O157:H7, from RCM after freezing for 365 days. The results from this study highlight that consumer transport and storage practices can have significant effects on the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes in RCM. Consumer food handling practices should be considered when developing public health strategies aimed at reducing the risks of RCM consumption.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Alves Dias ◽  
Daiani Teixeira Silva ◽  
Cláudio Dias Timm

Resumo Kefir é o produto da fermentação do leite pelos grãos de kefir. Esses grãos contêm uma mistura simbiótica de bactérias e leveduras imersas em uma matriz composta de polissacarídeos e proteínas. Muitos benefícios à saúde humana têm sido atribuídos ao kefir, incluindo atividade antimicrobiana contra bactérias Gram positivas e Gram negativas. A atividade antimicrobiana de 60 microrganismos isolados de grãos de kefir, frente à Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sorotipos Typhimurium e Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria monocytogenes, foi estudada através do teste do antagonismo. A ação antimicrobiana dos sobrenadantes das bactérias ácido-lácticas que apresentaram atividade no teste do antagonismo foi testada. O experimento foi repetido usando sobrenadantes com pH neutralizado. Salmonella Typhimurium e Enteritidis sobreviveram por 24 horas no kefir em fermentação. E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus e L. monocytogenes foram recuperados até 72 horas após o início da fermentação. Todos os isolados apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra pelo menos um dos patógenos usados no teste do antagonismo. Sobrenadantes de 25 isolados apresentaram atividade inibitória e três mantiveram essa atividade com pH neutralizado. As bactérias patogênicas estudadas sobreviveram por tempo superior àquele normalmente utilizado para a fermentação do kefir artesanal, o que caracteriza perigo em potencial para o consumidor quando a matéria-prima não apresentar segurança sanitária. Lactobacillus isolados de grãos de kefir apresentam atividade antimicrobiana contra cepas de E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella sorotipos Typhimurium e Enteritidis, S. aureus e L. monocytogenes além daquela exercida pela diminuição do pH.


2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 2559-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
SYLVIA GAYSINSKY ◽  
P. MICHAEL DAVIDSON ◽  
BARRY D. BRUCE ◽  
JOCHEN WEISS

Growth inhibition of four strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (H1730, F4546, 932, and E0019) and Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A, 101, 108, and 310) by essential oil components (carvacrol and eugenol) solubilized in nonionic surfactant micelles (Surfynol 465 and 485W) was investigated. Concentrations of encapsulated essential oil components ranged from 0.02 to 1.25% depending on compound, surfactant type, and surfactant concentration (0.5 to 5%). Eugenol encapsulated in Surfynol 485W micelles was most efficient in inhibiting growth of the pathogens; 1% Surfynol 485W and 0.15% eugenol was sufficient to inhibit growth of all strains of E. coli O157:H7 and three of four strains of L. monocytogenes (Scott A, 310, and 108). The fourth strain, L. monocytogenes 101, was inhibited by 2.5% Surfynol and 0.225% eugenol. One percent Surfynol 485W in combination with 0.025% carvacrol was effective in inhibiting three of four strains of E. coli O157:H7. Strain H1730 was the most resistant strain, requiring 0.3% carvacrol and 5% surfactant for complete inhibition. Growth inhibition of L. monocytogenes by combinations of carvacrol and Surfynol 465 ranged between 0.15 and 0.35% and 1 and 3.75%, respectively. Generally, the antimicrobial activity of Surfynol 465 in combination with eugenol was higher than that for the combination with carvacrol. The potent activity was attributed to increased solubility of essential oil components in the aqueous phase due to the presence of surfactants and improved interactions of antimicrobials with microorganisms.


2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 1215-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHIA-MIN LIN ◽  
SARAH S. MOON ◽  
MICHAEL P. DOYLE ◽  
KAY H. McWATTERS

Iceberg lettuce is a major component in vegetable salad and has been associated with many outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. In this study, several combinations of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide were tested to obtain effective antibacterial activity without adverse effects on sensory characteristics. A five-strain mixture of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes was inoculated separately onto fresh-cut lettuce leaves, which were later treated with 1.5% lactic acid plus 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 40°C for 15 min, 1.5% lactic acid plus 2% H2O2 at 22°C for 5 min, and 2% H2O2 at 50°C for 60 or 90 s. Control lettuce leaves were treated with deionized water under the same conditions. A 4-log reduction was obtained for lettuce treated with the combinations of lactic acid and H2O2 for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis, and a 3-log reduction was obtained for L. monocytogenes. However, the sensory characteristics of lettuce were compromised by these treatments. The treatment of lettuce leaves with 2% H2O2 at 50°C was effective not only in reducing pathogenic bacteria but also in maintaining good sensory quality for up to 15 days. A ≤4-log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis was achieved with the 2% H2O2 treatment, whereas a 3-log reduction of L. monocytogenes was obtained. There was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between pathogen population reductions obtained with 2% H2O2 with 60- and 90-s exposure times. Hydrogen peroxide residue was undetectable (the minimum level of sensitivity was 2 ppm) on lettuce surfaces after the treated lettuce was rinsed with cold water and centrifuged with a salad spinner. Hence, the treatment of lettuce with 2% H2O2 at 50°C for 60 s is effective in initially reducing substantial populations of foodborne pathogens and maintaining high product quality.


2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 1560-1568 ◽  
Author(s):  
HELGA J. DOERING ◽  
MARK A. HARRISON ◽  
RUTH A. MORROW ◽  
WILLIAM C. HURST ◽  
WILLIAM L. KERR

Lettuce and spinach inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 were processed and handled in ways that might occur in commercial situations, including variations in holding times before and after product cooling, transportation conditions and temperatures, wash treatments, and product storage temperatures and times. Populations of background microflora and E. coli O157:H7 were enumerated after each step in the system. Data analysis was done to predict response variables with a combination of independent categorical variables. Field temperature, time before cooling, and wash treatment significantly affected E. coli O157:H7 populations on both products. The lowest populations of E. coli O157:H7 were encountered when precool time was minimal, lettuce was washed with chlorine, and storage temperature was 4°C. For lettuce, field and transportation temperature were not important once the storage period started, whereas after 2 days E. coli O157:H7 populations on packaged baby spinach were not affected by field temperature. On chopped iceberg lettuce and whole leaf spinach that was packaged and stored at 4°C, E. coli O157:H7 contamination could still be detected after typical handling practices, although populations decreased from initial levels in many cases by at least 1.5 log units. In abusive cases, where populations increased, the product quality quickly deteriorated. Although E. coli O157:H7 levels decreased on products handled and stored under recommended conditions, survivors persisted. This study highlights practices that may or may not affect the populations of E. coli O157:H7 on the final product.


2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1865-1869 ◽  
Author(s):  
AAKASH KHURANA ◽  
GEORGE B. AWUAH ◽  
BRADLEY TAYLOR ◽  
ELENA ENACHE

Studies were conducted to evaluate the combined effect of selected acidulants (acetic, citric, malic, and phosphoric acid) and heat on foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes) in pureed green beans. To establish a consistent reference point for comparison, the molar concentrations of the acids remained constant while the acid-to-puree ratio, titratable acidity, and undissociated acid were either measured or calculated for a target acidified green beans at a pH of 3.8, 4.2, and 4.6. The D-values at 149°F were used as the criteria for acid efficacy. Generally, acetic acid (puree, pH 3.8 and 4.2) represented the most effective acid with comparatively low D-values irrespective of the target microorganism. A 10-s heating at 149°F inactivated approximately 106 CFU/ml of E. coli O157:H7 in pureed beans at pH 3.8. The efficacy of acetic acid is likely related to the elevated percent titratable acidity, undissociated acid, and acid-to-puree ratio. The effectiveness (which in this study represents the combined effect of acid and heat) of the remaining acids (citric, malic, and phosphoric) at puree pH values of 3.8 and 4.2 were statistically insignificant (α = 0.05). Surprisingly, acetic acid (puree, pH 4.6) appeared to be the least effective as compared to the other acids tested (citric, malic, and phosphoric) especially on E. coli O157:H7 cells, while L. monocytogenes had a similar resistance to all acids at puree pH 4.6. With the exception of citric acid (pH 3.8), acetic acid (pH 4.6), and malic acid (pH 3.8 and 4.6), which were statistically insignificant (P &gt; 0.05), the D-values for L. monocytogenes were statistically different (P ≤ 0.05) and higher than the D-values for E. coli under similar experimental conditions. A conservative process recommendation (referred to as the “safe harbor” process) was found sufficient and applicable to pureed green beans for the pH range studied.


1996 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. PODOLAK ◽  
J. F. ZAYAS ◽  
C. L. KASTNER ◽  
D. Y. C. FUNG

Lean beef surfaces were inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes and then sanitized with fumaric, acetic, or lactic acid alone and in combined solutions of those acids at 55°C for 5 s. The initial inoculum level was 8.62 log CFU/cm2 and 5.13 log CFU/cm2 for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Fumaric acid at a concentration of 1% was the most effective acid in reducing the populations of L. monocytogenes by up to 1 log unit and E. coli O157:H7 by up to 1.3 log units when compared with acetic or lactic acids. The rank order of acids tested against the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 was fumaric acid followed by lactic and acetic acids. Fumaric acid at concentrations of 1.0% and 1.5% was more effective than any of the combined solutions of acids.


2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1046-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOUNIA OUSSALAH ◽  
STÉPHANE CAILLET ◽  
MONIQUE LACROIX

The mechanism of the antimicrobial action of Spanish oregano (Corydothymus capitatus), Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), and savory (Satureja montana) essential oils against cell membranes and walls of bacteria was studied by the measurement of the intracellular pH and ATP concentration, the release of cell constituents, and the electronic microscopy observations of the cells when these essential oils at their MICs were in contact with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes, two pathogenic foodborne bacteria, were used as gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial models, respectively. Treatment with these essential oils at their MICs affected the membrane integrity of bacteria and induced depletion of the intracellular ATP concentration. Spanish oregano and savory essential oils, however, induced more depletion than Chinese cinnamon oil. An increase of the extracellular ATP concentration was observed only when Spanish oregano and savory oils were in contact with E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes. Also, a significantly higher (P ≤0.05) cell constituent release was observed in the supernatant when E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes cells were treated with Chinese cinnamon and Spanish oregano oils. Chinese cinnamon oil was more effective to reduce significantly the intracellular pH of E. coli O157:H7, whereas Chinese cinnamon and Spanish oregano decreased more significantly the intracellular pH of L. monocytogenes. Electronic microscopy observations revealed that the cell membrane of both treated bacteria was significantly damaged. These results suggest that the cytoplasmic membrane is involved in the toxic action of essential oils.


2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (9) ◽  
pp. 1637-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARA C. L. NOGUEIRA ◽  
OMAR A. OYARZÁBAL ◽  
DAVID E. GOMBAS

The production of thermally concentrated fruit juices uses temperatures high enough to achieve at least a 5-log reduction of pathogenic bacteria that can occur in raw juice. However, the transportation and storage of concentrates at low temperatures prior to final packaging is a common practice in the juice industry and introduces a potential risk for postconcentration contamination with pathogenic bacteria. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the likelihood of Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella surviving in cranberry, lemon, and lime juice concentrates at or above temperatures commonly used for transportation or storage of these concentrates. This study demonstrates that cranberry, lemon, and lime juice concentrates possess intrinsic antimicrobial properties that will eliminate these bacterial pathogens in the event of postconcentration recontamination. Bacterial inactivation was demonstrated under all conditions; at least 5-log Salmonella inactivation was consistently demonstrated at −23°C (−10°F), at least 5-log E. coli O157:H7 inactivation was consistently demonstrated at −11°C (12°F), and at least 5-log L. monocytogenes inactivation was consistently demonstrated at 0°C (32°F).


2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1014-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. CHO ◽  
R. W. BUESCHER ◽  
M. JOHNSON ◽  
M. JANES

The effects of (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal (NDE) and (E)-2-nonenal (NE) on Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium were investigated. A suspension of each organism of 6 to 9 log CFU/ml was incubated for 1 h at 37° C in brain heart infusion solution that contained 0 to 500 or 1,000 ppm of NDE or NE. Depending on concentration, exposure to either NDE or NE caused a reduction in CFU of each organism. Treatment with 250 and 500 ppm NDE completely eliminated viable B. cereus and Salmonella Typhimurium cells, respectively. L. monocytogenes was the most resistant to NDE, showing only about a 2-log reduction from exposure to 500 ppm for 1 h. Conversely, this concentration of NDE caused a 5.8-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 cells. NE was also effective in inactivating organisms listed above. A higher concentration of NE, 1,000 ppm, was required to kill E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, or Salmonella Typhimurium compared with NDE. In conclusion, both NDE and NE demonstrated an apparent bactericidal activity against these pathogens.


2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 1245-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. BREIDT ◽  
K. KAY ◽  
J. COOK ◽  
J. OSBORNE ◽  
B. INGHAM ◽  
...  

A critical factor in ensuring the safety of acidified foods is the establishment of a thermal process that assures the destruction of acid-resistant vegetative pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. For acidified foods such as dressings and mayonnaises with pH values of 3.5 or higher, the high water phase acidity (acetic acid of 1.5 to 2.5% or higher) can contribute to lethality, but there is a lack of data showing how the use of common ingredients such as acetic acid and preservatives, alone or in combination, can result in a 5-log reduction for strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes in the absence of a postpackaging pasteurization step. In this study, we determined the times needed at 10°C to achieve a 5-log reduction of E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes in pickling brines with a variety of acetic and benzoic acid combinations at pH 3.5 and 3.8. Evaluation of 15 different acid-pH combinations confirmed that strains of E. coli O157:H7 were significantly more acid resistant than strains of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes. Among the acid conditions tested, holding times of 4 days or less could achieve a 5-log reduction for vegetative pathogens at pH 3.5 with 2.5% acetic acid or at pH 3.8 with 2.5% acetic acid containing 0.1% benzoic acid. These data indicate the efficacy of benzoic acid for reducing the time necessary to achieve a 5-log reduction in target pathogens and may be useful for supporting process filings and the determination of critical controls for the manufacture of acidified foods.


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