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Modeling the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in pasteurized white asparagus

A Valero1, E Carrasco, F Pérez-Rodríguez

  • 1Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales C-1, 14014 Córdoba, Spain. bt2vadia@uco.es

Journal of Food Protection
|March 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes grows at all tested temperatures in pasteurized white asparagus. The Ratkowsky model best predicted growth rate, and lower temperatures reduced maximum population density, enhancing food safety.

Area of Science:

  • Food Microbiology
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Food Safety

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen.
  • Pasteurized white asparagus is susceptible to microbial contamination.
  • Understanding pathogen growth dynamics is crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in pasteurized white asparagus at various temperatures.
  • To compare the predictive accuracy of the Arrhenius and Ratkowsky models for Listeria monocytogenes growth.
  • To investigate the influence of temperature on the maximum population density of Listeria monocytogenes.

Main Methods:

  • Monitoring Listeria monocytogenes growth at 4, 10, 20, and 30°C.
  • Applying the Baranyi-Roberts model to determine growth rate (μ) per hour.
  • Utilizing Arrhenius and Ratkowsky models for secondary modeling of μ versus temperature.
  • Calculating maximum population density (MPD) at each storage temperature.

Main Results:

  • Listeria monocytogenes exhibited growth at all tested temperatures, with minimal growth at 4°C.
  • The Ratkowsky model demonstrated a superior fit (RMSE = 0.010, SEP = 21.23%) compared to the Arrhenius model (RMSE = 0.026, SEP = 54.37%).
  • Lower storage temperatures resulted in lower maximum population densities, consistent with the Jameson effect.

Conclusions:

  • The Ratkowsky model provides a more accurate prediction of Listeria monocytogenes growth rate in pasteurized white asparagus.
  • Lowering storage temperatures is an effective strategy to limit Listeria monocytogenes proliferation.
  • Predictive modeling of pathogen growth aids in mitigating microbial risks in pasteurized asparagus.

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