FATE OF LISTERIA-MONOCYTOGENES ON MODIFIED-ATMOSPHERE PACKAGED TURKEY ROLL SLICES

The growth of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey roll slices stored at 4 and 10 degrees C under a variety of different modified-atmospheres (Ms) was examined. While increasing in numbers on turkey roll slices stored in air, or in environments containing CO2 levels of 30 or 50% (remainder N-2), L. monocytogenes was inhibited by a MAs containing 70% CO2, 30% N-2. In all cases, Listeria did not grow as well in any of the MAs as compared to air, In addition, for all MAs tested, pseudomonads were inhibited to an equal or greater extent than L. monocytogenes. It is recommended that any MA-packaged turkey sandwiches with a shelf-life approaching 30 days, should be stored in a MA containing at least 70% CO2 to guard against the potential growth of L. monocytogenes.