Pre- and Post-package Pasteurization of RTE Meats for Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes

This research showed that combinations of pre- and post-packaging processing were effective in reducing levels of Listeria monocytogenes. Research also demonstrated that some pre-packaging antimicrobials were more effective than others, with most not effective on uncured turkey products.

Download final report

Objectives

The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of antimicrobial and organic acid sprays with pre- and/or post-package pasteurization technologies in RTE meat products to reduce the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Conclusions

While the application of antimicrobials, organic acids, and pre- and/or post-package pasteurization were effective in reducing microbial loads and increasing shelf-life, the combination of treatments produced a synergistic reduction that was the most effective.

Deliverable

The use of multiple hurdle interventions like heat, antimicrobials, and organic acids can successfully reduce the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes on RTE products.