Use of microbial antagonism to reduce pathogen levels on produce and meat products: a review.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are often utilized to control food-borne pathogens on produce and on cooked, fermented, or refrigerated meats. Most research to date has focused on the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum, and spoilage microorganisms. LAB are excellent candidates for reducing pathogen levels on foods because they inhibit the growth of these microorganisms through various mechanisms without causing unacceptable sensory changes. This review provides an up-to-date look at research directed at maximizing the use of LAB by selecting the most appropriate strains, by learning how to apply them to foods most effectively, and by gaining an understanding of the mechanism by which they inhibit pathogens.