Abstract
Mild stress of leafy greens by UV-C radiation has been reported to stimulate plant defences capable of reducing pathogens on produce surfaces. In this study, the attachment, survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes was investigated on lettuces stressed with mild UV-C radiation (1.3 and 2.6 kJm−2). Attachment of L. monocytogenes to UV-C stressed (1.3 kJm−2) lettuce leaves after 1 h was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 1.4–1.5 log cfu/cm2. UV-C stress also reduced the survival of L. monocytogenes on lettuce by 1.8–1.9 log cfu/g 96 h after inoculation, however a higher dosage of UV-C stress (2.6 kJm−2) did not inhibit the survival of L. monocytogenes. The total phenolic compounds in lettuce significantly increased following UV-C stress (1.3 kJm−2) indicating the accumulation of polyphenols might have contributed to the inhibition of L. monocytogenes attachment and growth. Appropriate dosage of mild UV-C stress of lettuce can reduce the attachment, survival and growth of L. monocytogenes in lettuce and can therefore be explored further for application in fresh produce safety.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
