Effects of Varying Levels of Chloride Salts on Clostridium Botulinum Toxin Production in Turkey Frankfurters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inhibitory effects of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) on C. botulinum inoculated turkey frankfurter emulsions were determined. Ionic strengths (I.S.) of 0.42, 0.55, and 0.68 were compared (equivalent to 2.5%, 3.25%, and 4.0% NaCl). Sodium nitrite levels were constant at 150 ppm. Inoculated emulsions (10 3 spores/g) were incubated and maintained at 27°C. In‐creasing NaCl from I.S. 0.42 to 0.68 delayed toxin production from 4 days to at least 40 days. KCl was almost as effective as NaCl at I.S. 0.42, but inferior at higher levels. MgCl 2 did not demonstrate any inhibitory effect. Fifty percent substitution of 2.5% NaCl with KCl or MgCl 2 generally reduced time for toxin production to occur.