iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of synergistic antibacterial mechanism of phenyllactic acid and lactic acid against Bacillus cereus

•PLA is a promising alternative to benzoic acid due to broad antibacterial activity.•Combined antibacterial effect of PLA with LA were evaluated.•Antibacterial mechanism was explored by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis.•This study may help in explaining the bio-preservation effect of lactic acid bacteria.•This study may provide insights into the application of PLA in food spoilage control.