Evaluation of maximum growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat fresh-cut papaya and melon

Russo, S. and Cosciani-Cunico, E. and Dalzini, E. and Daminelli, P. and Ricchi, M. and Arrigoni, N. and Cammi, G. (2023) Evaluation of maximum growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat fresh-cut papaya and melon. International Food Research Journal (Malaysia), 30. pp. 953-963. ISSN 2231 7546

Listeria monocytogenes has been identified on minimally processed fruit and vegetables, and can transmit a severe foodborne disease through the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut produce, mostly if the storage conditions are incorrect, and the cold chain is not abided to. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the behaviour of L. monocytogenes in RTE fresh-cut papaya and melon, two low-acid fruits stored in temperature-abuse conditions (10 and 8°C, respectively) during the shelf-life indicated by the producer (7 d). A microbiological challenge test was performed to assess the maximum growth rate (MGR) and the duplication time (Td) of the pathogen, testing three strains separately. We also assessed the behaviour of the indigenous microflora of the fruits. Results demonstrated that papaya and melon were two favourable substrates for L. monocytogenes. The MGR was 0.044 log CFU/g/h with a Td of 6.77 h for papaya, and 0.029 log CFU/g/h with a Td of 10.24 h for melon. The storage of RTE fresh-cut papaya and melon at an abusive temperature above 8°C could encourage the growth of L. monocytogenes with a possible risk to public health.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/30%20(04)%202023/13%20-...

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes has been identified on minimally processed fruit and vegetables, and can transmit a severe foodborne disease through the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut produce, mostly if the storage conditions are incorrect, and the cold chain is not abided to. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the behaviour of L. monocytogenes in RTE fresh-cut papaya and melon, two low-acid fruits stored in temperature-abuse conditions (10 and 8°C, respectively) during the shelf-life indicated by the producer (7 d). A microbiological challenge test was performed to assess the maximum growth rate (MGR) and the duplication time (Td) of the pathogen, testing three strains separately. We also assessed the behaviour of the indigenous microflora of the fruits. Results demonstrated that papaya and melon were two favourable substrates for L. monocytogenes. The MGR was 0.044 log CFU/g/h with a Td of 6.77 h for papaya, and 0.029 log CFU/g/h with a Td of 10.24 h for melon. The storage of RTE fresh-cut papaya and melon at an abusive temperature above 8°C could encourage the growth of L. monocytogenes with a possible risk to public health.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	papayas
AGROVOC Term:	muskmelons
AGROVOC Term:	prepared foods
AGROVOC Term:	food safety
AGROVOC Term:	statistical methods
AGROVOC Term:	experimental design
AGROVOC Term:	bacterial counting
AGROVOC Term:	Listeria monocytogenes
AGROVOC Term:	growth control
Geographical Term:	Italy
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Carica papaya, Cucumis melo
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 07:44
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 07:44
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1405

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