Influence of Guar Gum on the Thermal Stability of Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, and γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase during High-Temperature Short-Time Pasteurization of Bovine Milk
Mathematical models describing the thermal inactivation of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (TP) and Listeria innocua in milk during high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization were validated with data from TP, L. innocua, and L. monocytogenes trials in guar gum–milk. Holding tube times were determined for turbulent flow using water, and for laminar flow using a guar gum (0.27% wt/wt)–sucrose (5.3% wt/wt)–water mixture. Inactivation of TP and L. innocua was lower in a solution of guar gum (0.25% wt/wt) in whole milk than was predicted by models derived from studies with whole milk alone. Use of laminar flow timings improved model fit but did not completely account for the observed protective effect. L. monocytogenes survival was close to that predicted by the L. innocua model, although some protection was afforded this pathogen under laminar flow. Considerable intertrial variability was noted for L. monocytogenes. Risk analysis simulations using @RISK, a Lotus 1-2–3W add-in, were used to account for intertrial variability. Simulated log10 %reductions consistently underpredicted experimental L. monocytogenes survival (fail-safe), thus the L. innocua model derived in milk is suitable for estimating L. monocytogenes survival in viscous products. Increased thermal tolerance during laminar flow may be attributed to the protective effect of stabilizer.