Effect of nisin-EDTA combinations and modified atmosphere packaging on the survival of Salmonella enteritidis in Turkish type meatballs

Meatballs are widely consumed ready-to-cook meat products due to their favourable tastes and flavours. They can be contaminated with several saprophyte and pathogenic bacteria due to their ingredients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nisin and EDTA treatments in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (ambient air, 80:20:0/O-2:CO2:N-2 and 0.4:30:69.60/CO:CO2:N-2 gas mixtures) on the survival of Salmonella Enteritidis in Turkish type meatballs stored at 4 degrees C. Shelf-life of meatballs containing nisin and/or EDTA was extended compared to control. The efficient inhibition of Salmonella Enteritidis was enhanced with increasing concentrations of EDTA when applied together with nisin (1000 mu g/g nisin and 50 mM EDTA). In conclusion, combined effects of nisin and EDTA incorporation with low level of CO packaging appears to be an important strategy to increase food safety; thus, this application can contribute to minimize the incidence of foodborne diseases originated from Salmonella spp.