Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a newly designed solution made with generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredients and its application in RTE meats.
Methods: This antimicrobial solution is made of lauric arginate ester, nisin, and chitosan. A 3-stage study was carried out using a 5-strain Listeria cocktail with 2 inoculation levels: stage 1 was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of this solution (2 different concentrations) on Listeria proliferation; stage 2 was designed to study the performance of this solution at different meat storage times; stage 3 was conducted to find out the impact of this solution on meat quality. At each stage, two separate trials were conducted and the statistical analysis was done using SAS®.
Results: Without any antimicrobials, the numbers of Listeria inoculated onto the roast beef increased (up to ~6 log CFU, P < 0.05), while on the other hand, both the 1:5 dilution and the original stock antimicrobial solutions inhibited the growth of Listeria significantly (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial effects of the solution were influenced by the meat shelf life, but no significant change was caused by this solution on meat quality.
Significance: This newly designed GRAS antimicrobial solution can inhibit the growth of Listeria significantly and does not cause any changes to meat products. It is a solution with good potential to be used at deli counters to further reduce and control Listeria contamination and proliferation.