Effects of natural antimicrobials with modified atmosphere packaging on the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in ravioli at various temperatures

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of cultured sugar/vinegar (CSV) blend and nisin to control the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready to cook (RTC) ravioli. Ravioli dough was prepared with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1% CSV blend and 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% nisin. Inoculated spinach or artichoke raviolis with 2.0 ± 0.5 log cfu/g of L. monocytogenes were packed aerobically or using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and then stored at 4, 10, 17, and 24 °C for 60 days. Growth kinetic parameters of the observed data fit well to the Baranyi equation. Ravioli with spinach filling materials yielded a higher risk than that with artichoke. L. monocytogenes was able to survive in ravioli with artichoke, but did not grow. The addition of 1% CSV blend or 0.3% nisin in spinach ravioli with the combination of MAP effectively controlled the growth of L. monocytogenes at the temperature below 10 °C. The organoleptic quality of spinach ravioli was not also affected by the application of 1% CSV blend. Therefore, the CSV blend can be recommended to improve the microbial safety and quality of natural RTC ravioli at retail market. Practical applications The risk of ravioli was affected by the filling materials of ravioli at retail market. Addition of 1% cultured sugar/vinegar blend in dough substantially contributes to the extension of shelf-life of MAP spinach raviolis. classification and regression tree analysis results indicate that refrigeration temperature is the main control factor to affect lag time and growth rate, while packaging method is critical for maximum population density.