Antimicrobial Activity and Synergistic Effect of Cinnamon with Sodium Benzoate or Potassium Sorbate in Controlling<i>Escherichia coli</i>O157:H7 in Apple Juice

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial effects of cinnamon, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and combinations were examined against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice at 8°C and 25°C. E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 1.6 log colony-forming units (CFU)/mL at 8°C and 2.0 log CFU/mL at 25°C by 0.3% cinnamon. At 8°C, 5.2 log CFU/mL of E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated in 11 d by 0.3% cinnamon with 0.1% sodium benzoate, and in 14 d by 0.3% cinnamon with 0.1% potassium sorbate. At 25°C, 5.3 log CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated in 3 d by the same combinations. A synergistic effect was observed between cinnamon and preservatives against E. coli O157:H7 at 8°C and 25°C.