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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Healthy Processed Foods Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #239929
Title: Allspice, garlic, and oregano plant essential oils in tomato films inactive the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes

Author
item Olsen, Carl
item Du, Wen-Xian
item AVENA-BUSTILLOS, ROBERTO - University Of California
item McHugh, Tara
item Levin, Carol
item Mandrell, Robert
item Friedman, Mendel

Submitted to: Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/2009
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Edible films containing plant essential oils are gaining importance as potential antibacterial formulations to extend product shelf-life and reduce risk of pathogen growth on food surfaces. An evaluation of both antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of edible films is important for applications to food systems. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate physical properties and antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes of tomato films with added allspice, garlic, and oregano oils (0.5-3.0% w/w in film-forming solutions). Antimicrobial activities were determined by overlay of the film on top of the bacteria and by vapor phase diffusion of the antimicrobial from the film onto the bacteria. Activities against E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica were in the following order: oregano > allspice > garlic oils. Garlic oil was the most effective against L. monocytogenes, even at a concentration of 0.5%. L. monocytogenes bacteria were less resistant to inactivation than were E. coli. The presence of plant essential oil antimicrobials reduced the water vapor permeability of the tomato films. The results of the present study show that some essential oils in a tomato film matrix possess good physical and antimicrobial properties for food applications.