Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate
Published on: April 6, 2022
Inactivation of Listeria innocua on frankfurters by ultraviolet light and flash pasteurization
C H Sommers1, D J Geveke, S Pulsfus
1Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA. christopher.sommers@ars.usda.gov
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes, a psychrotrophic foodborne pathogen, is a recurring postprocess contaminant on ready-to-eat meat (RTE) products including frankfurters. Flash (Steam) Pasteurization (FP) and ultraviolet light (254 nm-UVC) has been shown to reduce levels of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua on frankfurters. In this study, the use of UVC light followed by FP to inactivate L. innocua, a nonpathogenic surrogate for L.monocytogenes, on frankfurters that contained sodium diacetate and potassium lactate (SDA/PL) in a pilot-plant setting was investigated. Application of UVC (1.0 J/cm2), followed by FP (0.75 s steam/121 degrees C) resulted in inactivation of 3.19 log L. innocua, while application of UVC (4.0 J/cm2), followed by FP (3 s steam/121 degrees C) resulted in inactivation of 3.89 log of L. innocua. A refrigerated storage study (8 degrees C) of frankfurters that contained SDA/PL that were treated with UVC followed by FP revealed the growth of L. innocua was inhibited for approximately 8 wk following application of the interventions. The use of UVC in combination with FP had little effect on frankfurter color and texture. The combination of UVC, FP, and SDA/PL was found to be an effective hurdle process for decontamination of frankfurter surfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Pasteurization and Food Preservation
Methods of Controlling Food Spoilage
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
Principles of Food Preservation
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...

