Growth and toxin production by Clostridium botulinum on inoculated fresh-cut packaged vegetables

To determine the safety of fresh-cut vegetables packaged in modified atmosphere, challenge studies using both nonproteolytic and proteolytic strains of Clostridium botulinum were performed with a variety of fresh-cut packaged salads and vegetables stored at different temperatures. When vegetables we...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of food protection 1998-03, Vol.61 (3), p.324-328
Main Authors: Austin, J.W. (Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Ontario, Canada.), Dodds, K.L, Blanchfield, B, Farber, J.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Botulinum Toxins - biosynthesis
CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM
Clostridium botulinum - growth & development
Clostridium botulinum - metabolism
CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE
Food industries
Food Microbiology
Food Packaging
FOOD SAFETY
FOODS
FRESH PRODUCTS
Fruit and vegetable industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION
MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE
PACKAGING
Temperature
VEGETABLES
Vegetables - microbiology
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Summary:To determine the safety of fresh-cut vegetables packaged in modified atmosphere, challenge studies using both nonproteolytic and proteolytic strains of Clostridium botulinum were performed with a variety of fresh-cut packaged salads and vegetables stored at different temperatures. When vegetables were inoculated with spores of C. botulinum and incubated in low-O2 atmospheres, spore germination and growth and toxin production were observed. Botulinum toxin was produced by proteolytic types A and B on onion, butternut squash, rutabaga, salad, and stir-fry vegetables. Nonproteolytic C. botulinum produced toxin on butternut squash and salad. Nonproteolytic C. botulinum was capable of producing neurotoxin at temperatures as low as 5 degrees C, whereas proteolytic strains produced neurotoxin at 15 degrees C and higher. Although most samples were visibly spoiled before detection of botulinum toxin, samples of butternut squash and onion remained acceptable after detection of toxin. The strict maintenance of low temperatures ( 5 degrees C) is recommended in order to control the potential growth of C. botulinum on fresh-cut vegetables packaged in a modified atmosphere
ISSN:0362-028X
1944-9097
DOI:10.4315/0362-028X-61.3.324