ARS | Publication request: Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on frankfurters using ultraviolet light and GRAS antimicrobials

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 20, 2009
Publication Date: June 3, 2009
Citation: Sommers, C., Sites, J., Geveke, D. 2009. Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on frankfurters using ultraviolet light and GRAS antimicrobials [abstract] Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting. Anaheim, CA p.1.

Technical Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is an occasional contaminant of ready-to-eat meats such as frankfurters and sausages and is responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls of the subsequently adulterated food products. Salmonellae and Staphylococus aureus are prevalent among pathogens which cause foodborne illness. Ultraviolet light (254 nm) (UVC) is an FDA approved intervention technology that can inactivate foodborne pathogens on frankfurter and precooked sausage surfaces. Potassium lactate (PL), sodium diacetate (SD), and lauric arginate ester (LAE) are FDA approved antimicrobials that can inactivate and inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens during refrigerated storage. In this study the use of UVC, in combination with SD, PL, and LAE, to inactivate L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and Salmonellae that were surface-inoculated onto frankfurter surfaces was investigated. UVC (0.5 J/cm2) inactivated 1.53-1.64 log of the pathogens. Five percent LAE solution applied to the surface of frankfurters that contained SD and PL in the emulsion inactivated 1.39-1.65 log of the pathogens. UVC light, when used in combination with the 3 antimicrobials inactivated 2.32-2.80 log of the pathogens. During 12 weeks refrigerated storage (10C) the use of UVC in combination with the 3 antimicrobials was found to be very effective, with 3.6-4.1 log of the 3 pathogens being inactivated by the end of the storage period. UVC and antimicrobials had no impact on frankfurter color or texture. The combinatorial use of UVC and antimicrobials was found to be an effective hurdle against pathogen survival and proliferation.