71A-2


Listeria monocytogenes inhibition by whey protein films and coatings incorporating lysozyme or lactoperoxidase systems

S. MIN1, L. J. Harris1, J. H. Han2, and J. M. Krochta1. (1) Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Univ. of California-Davis, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8598, (2) Dept. of Food Science, Univ. of Manitoba, 250 Ellis Bldg., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada

Identification of novel means to control L. monocytogenes is considered important for the ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood and meat industries, because refrigeration and vacuum packaging do not completely prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes in these products. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the antimicrobial effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) films incorporating lysozyme (LZ) or lactoperoxidase systems (LPOS) (LZ-WPI or LPOS-WPI films) against L. monocytogenes; (2) evaluate the effects of LZ-WPI and LPOS-WPI coatings on the microbial stability of L. monocytogenes-inoculated cold smoked salmon during storage; and (3) compare tensile and physical properties of plain WPI, LZ-WPI, and LPOS-WPI films. Antimicrobial effects of WPI films were evaluated by observation of inhibition zones on inoculated agar and by conducting a storage study (4 and 10 °C, 35 days) using inoculated smoked salmon as a model food system. Elastic modulus (EM), tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%E), oxygen permeability (OP), and Hunter L, a, and b of WPI films, with and without LZ or LPOS, were also compared. WPI films incorporating 204 mg/g film of LZ or 29 mg/g film of LPOS (dry basis) inhibited L. monocytogenes at a concentration of 4 log CFU/cm2. WPI coatings prepared with LZ at 25 mg/g or LPOS at 0.7% (w/w) in a coating solution initially inactivated more than 2.4 and 3.0 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes inoculated in smoked salmon, respectively. Both LZ-WPI and LPOS-WPI coatings inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes at 4 and at 10 °C. Growth of endogenous aerobic microorganisms was also inhibited. Incorporation of LZ (204 mg/g) increased EM and lowered %E and OP. Incorporation of LPOS (40 mg/g film) did not change film properties. Both LZ-WPI and LPOS-WPI films and coatings have potential for inhibiting post-processing contamination of L. monocytogenes on RTE fish and other RTE products.

Session 71A, Dairy Foods: General
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Tuesday AM Room Hall I-2

2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana