Caffeic Acid Activity Against Clostridium botulinum Spores

Abstract

ABSTRACT Caffeic acid (CA) is widely distributed among higher fruits and vegetables. While CA has antimicrobial activity, little information exists on its utility as a food additive. As such, CA was tested for activity against Clostridium botulinum spores. At 0.78 and 3.25 mM, CA inhibited germination for 6 and 24 hr, respectively, with >100 mM required to render spores nonviable. CA concentrations a 50mM reduced 80°C spore thermal resistance. Sporostatic activity was retained when tested in commercial meat broths, and 5.0 mM CA delayed toxigenesis. Caffeic acid has potential as a food additive to inhibit growth of C. botulinum , and reduce thermal processing requirements of heat sensitive foods.