INFLUENCE OF SODIUM-CHLORIDE ON THERMAL INACTIVATION AND RECOVERY OF NONPROTEOLYTIC CLOSTRIDIUM-BOTULINUM TYPE-B STRAIN KAP B5 SPORES - A RESEARCH NOTE

Demand for minimally processed refrigerated foods with reduced salt levels has stimulated renewed interest in the potential for survival and growth of psychrotrophic, nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum type B spores. As part of a project to better define food-processing requirements, the heat resistance (75 to 90 degrees C) of nonproteolytic C. botulinum type B spores was assessed in turkey containing 1 to 3% (wt/vol) salt (sodium chloride). Heated spores were recovered both on reinforced clostridial medium (RCM) with lysozyme and on RCM having the same salt levels as the heating menstruum. When the recovery medium contained no salt, D-values in turkey slurry containing 1% salt were 42.1, 17.1, 7.8, and 1.1 min at 75, 80, 85, and 90 degrees C, respectively. Increasing levels (2 and 3%, wt/vol) of salt in the turkey slurry reduced the heat resistance as evidenced by reduced spore D-values. Also, apparent or measured heat resistance was decreased with increasing salt concentration in the heating menstruum and the recovery medium. The z-values in turkey slurry for all treatments were similar, ranging from 8.47 to 10.08 degrees C. These data will assist food processors to design thermal processes that ensure safety against nonproteolytic C. botulinum type B spores in cook/chill foods while minimizing quality losses.