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Enhancing Food Safety Through Control of Food-borne Disease Agents
M.C. Newman
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Project Description
Currently we have identified several naturally occurring long chain alcohols and ketones which have antimicrobial activity in vitro. Among the most susceptible foodborne pathogens are several strains of Listeria monocytogenes. In the near future we will be evaluating the anti-listerial effects of these compounds in a variety of processed meat products.
- Concentrations greater than or equal to 40-ppm decanol significantly inhibited the growth of all L. monocytogenes strains compared to control samples (P < 0.05).
- A combined treatment of decanol (20-ppm) and nisin (50 IU) showed significant inhibition on the total L. monocytogenes population (P < 0.05), resulting in an enhanced anti-listerial activity of nisin in the presence of decanol.
- Decanol appears to be an effective option for controlling L. monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat meat and meat products.
Impact
The focus of our research is pre- and post-harvest food safety and quality control. We have concentrated on the control of foodborne pathogens both in the live animal and on the finished food products. This research includes the evaluation of novel feed additives to alter the microbial populations in the gastrointestinal track of domestic livestock and handling techniques to extend shelf life and eliminate pathogenic bacteria in fresh and processed meat and produce. The ultimate impact of this research should result in the reduction of foodborne pathogens in our food supply.
Publications
Hamilton-Kemp, T., M.C. Newman, R. Collins, H. Elgaali, K. Yu, and D. Archbold. 2005. Production of the long chain alcohols Octanol, Decanol, and Dodecanol by Escherichia coli. Curr. Microbiol. 51:82-86.