Growth of Salmonella entericaand Listeria monocytogeneson Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe under Different Temperature Abuse Scenarios

Effective cold chain management is a critical component of food safety practice. In this study, we examined the impact of commonly encountered temperature abuse scenarios on the proliferation of Salmonella entericaand Listeria monocytogeneson fresh-cut cantaloupe. Inoculated fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes were subjected to various temperature abuse conditions, and the growth of S. entericaand L. monocytogeneswas determined. During 1 week of storage, Salmonellacell counts on fresh-cut cantaloupe increased by –0.26, 1.39, and 2.23 log units at 4°C (control), 8°C, and 12°C (chronic temperature abuse), respectively, whereas that of L. monocytogenesincreased by 0.75, 2.86, and 4.17 log units. Under intermittent temperature abuse conditions, where storage temperature fluctuated twice daily to room temperature for 30 min, Salmonellacell count increased by 2.18 log units, whereas that of L. monocytogenesincreased by 1.86 log units. In contrast, terminal acute temperature abuses for 2 to 4 h resulted in upwards to 0.6 log unit for Salmonella,whereas the effect on L. monocytogeneswas less significant compared with L. monocytogeneson cut cantaloupe stored at 4°C. Significant deterioration of produce visual quality and tissue integrity, as reflected by electrolyte leakage, was also observed under various temperature abuse conditions.