Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes using natural antimicrobials in no-nitrate-or-nitrite-added ham.
Consumer demand for foods manufactured without the direct addition of chemical preservatives, such as sodium nitrite and organic acid salts, has resulted in a unique class of "naturally" cured meat products. Formulation with a natural nitrate source and nitrate-reducing  bacteria results in naturally cured processed meats that possess traits similar to conventionally cured meats. However, previous research has shown that the naturally cured products are more susceptible to pathogen growth. This study evaluated Listeria monocytogenes growth on ham manufactured  with natural curing methods and with commercially available clean-label antimicrobials (cultured sugar and vinegar blend; lemon, cherry, and vinegar powder blend) and assessed impacts on physicochemical characteristics of the product. Hams made with either of the antimicrobials supported L.  monocytogenes growth similar to that in the traditionally cured control (P > 0.05). Hams made with prefermented celery juice powder had the lowest residual nitrite concentrations (P < 0.05), and when no antimicrobial was added, L. monocytogenes growth was  similar to that of the uncured control (P > 0.05). Aside from residual nitrite and nitrate concentrations, few physicochemical differences were identified. These findings show that ham can be produced with natural curing methods and antimicrobials to provide similar L. monocytogenes  inhibition and physicochemical traits as in traditionally cured ham.
Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA. gsullivan3@unl.edu
Gary A
GA
Sullivan
Armitra L
AL
Jackson-Davis
Steven E
SE
Niebuhr
Yuan
Y
Xi
Kohl D
KD
Schrader
Joseph G
JG
Sebranek
James S
JS
Dickson
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D005520:Food Preservatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D008461:Meat Products / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000592:standards; D009566:Nitrates; D009573:Nitrites; D013552:Swine
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005520:Food Preservatives; D009566:Nitrates; D009573:Nitrites