Exploring the characteristics of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans: Growth, bongkrekic acid production, and potential risks of food contamination in wet rice noodles and vermicelli

Abstract

This research investigated the presence of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans (BGC) in wet rice and starch products, Tremella, and Auricularia auricula in Guangzhou, China. It examined BGC growth and bongkrekic acid (BA) production in wet rice noodles and vermicelli with varying rice flour, edible starch ratios, and oil concentrations. A qualitative analysis of 482 samples revealed a detection rate of 0.62%, with three positive for BGC. Rice flour-based wet rice noodles had BA concentrations of 13.67 ± 0.64 mg/kg, 2.92 times higher than 100% corn starch samples (4.68 ± 0.54 mg/kg). Wet rice noodles with 4% soybean oil had a BA concentration of 31.72 ± 9.41 mg/kg, 5.74 times higher than those without soybean oil (5.53 ± 1.23 mg/kg). The BA concentration correlated positively (r = 0.707, P < 0.05) with BGC contamination levels. Low temperatures (4 °C and -18 °C) inhibited BGC growth and BA production, while higher storage temperatures (26 °C and 32 °C) promoted BGC proliferation and increased BA production. Reducing edible oil use and increasing edible starch can mitigate the risk of BGC-related food poisoning in wet rice noodles and vermicelli production. Further research is needed to find alternative oils that do not enhance BA production. Strengthening prevention and control measures is crucial across the entire production chain to address BGC contamination and BA production.

Keywords: Bongkrekic acid; Corn starch; Food safety; Microbial contamination; Soybean oil.