Population Dynamics of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> and Yeast and Mold Levels on Different Pear Varieties During Simulated Storage
This study examined the attachment, persistence, and fate of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> on selected varieties of fresh pears during simulated extended storage, along with the dynamics of resident yeast and mold (Y&M) populations. Following inoculation with ~7.0 log CFU/mL, <i&g...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Foods |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1701 |
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| Summary: | This study examined the attachment, persistence, and fate of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> on selected varieties of fresh pears during simulated extended storage, along with the dynamics of resident yeast and mold (Y&M) populations. Following inoculation with ~7.0 log CFU/mL, <i>L. monocytogenes</i> exhibited varying attachment efficiencies across pear varieties, resulting in 6.23 ± 0.03, 6.30 ± 0.01, and 5.12 ± 0.01 log CFU/pear on Bartlett, d’Anjou, and Bosc pears, respectively, after 24 h. The <i>L. monocytogenes</i> population gradually declined on pear surfaces during storage. After 14 days, <i>L. monocytogenes</i> populations decreased to ~4.20, 5.96, and 4.07 log CFU/pear on Bartlett, d’Anjou, and Bosc pears, respectively, regardless of temperature, and remained stable over the subsequent 14 days. During 20-week storage at 0 °C, the <i>L. monocytogenes</i> level decreased by 2.65–3.84 log CFU/pear on all pear varieties. Y&M levels varied across pear varieties and crop years. The initial Y&M counts for Bartlett, d’Anjou, and Bosc in year 2 were 4.37 ± 0.01, 5.93 ± 0.02, and 5.11 ± 0.03 log CFU/pear, respectively. The Y&M levels of d’Anjou and Bosc for years 1 and 2 were 4.73–4.79 and 5.11–5.93 log CFU/pear, respectively. During 20-week storage at 0 °C, Y&M counts generally increased, with Bartlett pears exhibiting a more pronounced rise after 12 weeks. Data indicated that <i>L. monocytogenes</i> did not grow on pears; instead, its population declined under all simulated storage conditions, offering practical guidance for pear packers on <i>Listeria</i> behaviors under various storage conditions. |
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| ISSN: | 2304-8158 |