Microbial inactivation after high-pressure processing at 600 MPa in commercial meat products over its shelf life

The behaviour of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated after high-pressure treatment (600 MPa 6 min, 31 8C) and during chilled storage at 4 8C for up to 120 days of commercial meat products. The objective was to determine if this pressure treatment is a valid process to reduce the safety risks associated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, and if it effectively avoids or delays the growth of spoilage microorganisms during the chilled storage time evaluated. The meat products covered by this study were cooked meat products (sliced cooked ham, pH 6.25, aw 0.978), dry cured meat products (sliced dry cured ham, pH 5.81, aw 0.890), and raw marinated meats (sliced marinated beef loin, pH 5.88, aw 0.985). HPP at 600 MPa for 6 min was an efficient method for avoiding the growth of yeasts and Enterobacteriaceae with a potential to produce off-flavours and for delaying the growth of lactic acid bacteria as spoilage microorganisms. HPP reduced the safety risks associated with Salmonella and L. monocytogenes in sliced marinated beef loin. D 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.