Growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on fresh-cut tropical fruits.
Feng Ke, Hu WenZhong, Jiang AiLi, Xu YongPing, Sarengaowa, Li XiaoBo, Bai Xue
Author Affiliation: School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian Univ. of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
Journal of Food Science 80 : M2548-M2554
Abstract : The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and natural microbiota on fresh-cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya and pineapple) with commercial PVC film at different storage temperature (5, 13, and 25°C). The results showed that S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and natural microbiota increased significantly on fresh-cut tropical fruits at 25°C. Both pathogen and natural microbiota were able to grow on fresh-cut tropical fruits at 13°C. The maximum population of L. monocytogenes was higher than that of S. aureus on fresh-cut tropical fruits. L. monocytogenes and S. aureus could survive without growth on fresh-cut pitaya, mango, and papaya at 5°C. The population of L. monocytogenes declined significantly on fresh-cut pineapple at all temperature, indicating composition of fresh-cut pineapple could inhibit growth of L. monocytogenes. However, S. aureus was still able to grow on fresh-cut pineapple at storage temperature. Thus, this study suggests that 4 kinds of fresh-cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya, and pineapple) should be stored at low temperature to extend shelf life as well as to ensure the safety of fresh-cut fruits.