Growth modeling of Listeria monocytogenes in pasteurized liquid egg.

The growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes and natural flora in commercially produced pasteurized liquid egg was examined at 4.1 to 19.4°C, and a growth simulation model that can estimate the range of the number of L. monocytogenes bacteria was developed. The experimental kinetic data were fitted to the Baranyi model, and growth parameters, such as maximum specific growth rate (μmax), maximum population density (Nmax), and lag time (λ), were estimated. As a result of estimating these parameters, we found that L. monocytogenes can grow without spoilage below 12.2°C, and we then focused on storage temperatures below 12.2°C in developing our secondary models. The temperature dependency of the μmax was described by Ratkowsky's square root model. The Nmax of L. monocytogenes was modeled as a function of temperature, because the Nmax of L. monocytogenes decreased as storage temperature increased. A tertiary model of L. monocytogenes was developed using the Baranyi model and μmax and Nmax secondary models. Th...