Bacteriocins Applied to Food Packaging Materials to Inhibit <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> on Meats

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bacteriocins in powders were produced from milk‐based media and applied to food packaging films. Nisin and pediocin “powders” were retained in casings during dialysis. Antilisterial casings were prepared by internal coating with pediocin. Antilisterial activity applied in powdered form was retained during processing and retained on contact food packaging surfaces. Pediocin powder was applied to plastic packaging bags at 7.75 μg/cm 2 . Meats and poultry samples were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bags coated with pediocin powder completely inhibited growth of inoculated L. monocytogenes through 12 wk storage at 4°C. Applying bacteriocins to food packaging films is an effective approach to reduce L. monocytogenes contamination in meats and poultry.