Bacteriophage cocktail significantly reduces or eliminates Listeria monocytogenes contamination on lettuce, apples, cheese, smoked salmon and frozen foods. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perera, Meenu N.; Abuladze, Tamar; Li, Manrong; Woolston, Joelle; Sulakvelidze, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Food microbiology. Volume 52(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Listeria monocytogenes -- Bacteriophage -- Phage bio-control -- ListShield™ -- Food safety -- Organoleptic testing; AS antibrowning solution -- PBS phosphate buffered saline -- PFU plaque forming unit -- CFU colony forming unit -- RTE ready-to-eat -- LB Luria–Bertani; Food Microbiology -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Food -- Microbiology; Periodicals; Food -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Food contamination -- Periodicals; 664.001579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2015.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-0020

Abstract

Abstract: ListShield™, a commercially available bacteriophage cocktail that specifically targets Listeria monocytogenes, was evaluated as a bio-control agent for L. monocytogenes in various Ready-To-Eat foods. ListShield™ treatment of experimentally contaminated lettuce, cheese, smoked salmon, and frozen entrèes significantly reduced ( p < 0.05) L. monocytogenes contamination by 91% (1.1 log), 82% (0.7 log), 90% (1.0 log), and 99% (2.2 log), respectively. ListShield™ application, alone or combined with an antioxidant/anti-browning solution, resulted in a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) 93% (1.1 log) reduction of L. monocytogenes contamination on apple slices after 24 h at 4 °C. Treatment of smoked salmon from a commercial processing facility with ListShield™ eliminated L. monocytogenes (no detectable L. monocytogenes ) in both the naturally contaminated and experimentally contaminated salmon fillets. The organoleptic quality of foods was not affected by application of ListShield™, as no differences in the color, taste, or appearance were detectable. Bio-control of L. monocytogenes with lytic bacteriophage preparations such as ListShield™ can offer an environmentally-friendly, green approach for reducing the risk of listeriosis associated with the consumption of various foods that may be contaminated with L. monocytogenes . Highlights: ListShield™ reduced L. monocytogenes in lettuce, cheese, apples and smoked salmon. ListShield™ reduced L. monocytogenes in frozen food entrées. ListShield™ eliminated L. monocytogenes from naturally contaminated smoked salmon. ListShield™ did not change the organoleptic qualities of ready to eat deli meats.