Combination of phenolic acids and essential oils against Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a psychrotrophic pathogen widely distributed in meat processing plants. Listeriosis presents very low morbidity, but very high mortality rates. Several outbreaks involving this bacterium have been reported due to the consumption of refrigerated meat and dairy products. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of 10 phenolic acids (PAs) and 4 essential oil compounds (EOCs) as natural alternatives to control L. monocytogenes growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all natural compounds was determined at pH 5, 6 and 7. The 4 most potent PAs (ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, o-coumaric acid and sy…