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. 2021 Apr 2;10(1):9337.
doi: 10.4081/ijfs.2021.9337. eCollection 2021 Mar 11.

Evaluation of growth potential and growth dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat fresh fruit

David Collu  1 , Luisa Marras  1 , Adriana Sanna  1 , Gerolamo Carrucciu  1 , Antonella Pinna  1 , Valentina Carraro  1 , Giuseppina Sanna  2 , Valentina Coroneo  1
Affiliations

Evaluation of growth potential and growth dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat fresh fruit

David Collu et al. Ital J Food Saf. .

Abstract

The consumption of fresh or RTE fruits is increasing every year and Listeria monocytogenes has been identified on raw or minimally processed fruits. A food product can become contaminated with L. monocytogenes anywhere along the pathway of food production during planting, harvesting, packaging, distribution and serving. The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological risks associated with consumption of ready- to- eat fruit such as melon, pineapple, coconut and fruit salad. The presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes was also evaluated. Microbiological challenge tests were carried out for the evaluation of the L. monocytogenes growth potential in RTE fruit stored at 4 and 8°C. E. coli counts resulted under the detection limit of 10 CFU g-1, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were not detected (absence in 25g). The growth potential values in coconut and melon (δ>0.5) showed the growth capacity of Listeria at the temperatures considered. A low initial load, also derived from good hygiene practices, and correct storage temperatures are essential to reduce bacterial growth in RTE fruit. The challenge test showed how each type of RTE fruit has a different commercial life based on its specific growth potential and that food should be stored at temperatures not higher than 4°C for a short period.

Keywords: Growth Potential; Listeria monocytogenes; challenge test; fresh fruit; ready-toeat (RTE).

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
pH and Water Activity (Aw) on RTE fruits.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Growth dynamics of L. monocytogenes on cantaloupe melon at 4 and 8°C
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Growth dynamics of L. monocytogenes on pineapple at 4 and 8°C.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Growth dynamics of L. monocytogenes on fruit salad at 4 and 8°C
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Growth dynamics of L. monocytogenes on honeydew melon at 4 and 8 °C.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Growth dynamics of L. monocytogenes on coconut at 4 and 8°C.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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