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Effectiveness of radiation processing for elimination of Salmonella Typhimurium from minimally processed pineapple

Ravindranath Shashidhar1, Varsha S Dhokane, Sachin N Hajare

  • 1Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India.

Journal of Food Science
|November 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Minimally processed pineapple from Mumbai markets had poor microbiological quality, with 8.8% testing positive for Salmonella. Gamma radiation effectively eliminated Salmonella Typhimurium, improving product safety and extending shelf life.

Area of Science:

  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Irradiation Technology

Background:

  • Minimally processed (MP) pineapple is a popular ready-to-eat fruit product.
  • Concerns exist regarding the microbiological safety of MP fruits, including potential Salmonella contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the microbiological quality of MP pineapple from the Mumbai market.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of gamma radiation in eliminating Salmonella Typhimurium from inoculated MP pineapple.

Main Methods:

  • Microbiological analysis of market samples.
  • Laboratory inoculation of pineapple with Salmonella Typhimurium.
  • Determination of radiation dose (D(10)) for Salmonella Typhimurium reduction.
  • Gamma irradiation treatment of inoculated pineapple and market samples.
  • Storage studies at 4°C and 10°C to assess pathogen persistence.

Main Results:

  • 8.8% of market MP pineapple samples were positive for Salmonella.
  • The D(10) value for Salmonella Typhimurium in pineapple was 0.242 kGy.
  • A 2-kGy gamma radiation dose eliminated 5 log CFU/g of Salmonella Typhimurium.
  • No Salmonella was detected in irradiated samples stored for up to 12 days at 4°C or 10°C.
  • Irradiation at 1 and 2 kGy significantly improved the microbiological quality of market samples.

Conclusions:

  • Market samples of MP pineapple exhibited poor microbiological quality with significant Salmonella prevalence.
  • Gamma radiation is a highly effective method for eliminating Salmonella Typhimurium in MP pineapple.
  • Radiation processing enhances the microbiological safety and shelf-life of ready-to-eat pineapple products.

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