Efficiency of sodium hypochlorite and calcinated calcium in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus attached to freshly shredded cabbage.

The effects of the disinfectants NaClO and calcinated calcium on the food-borne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. attached to shredded cabbage leaves were examined. After these bacteria were attached to shredded leaves for 1 h, the leaves were treated with NaClO and/or calcinated calcium. About 2.6-log and 3.5-log reductions of E. coli O157 were achieved by treatment with NaClO (100 ppm, pH 6.0, 10 min) and calcinated calcium (0.1%, 20 min), respectively. The combination of 100 ppm NaClO and 0.1% calcinated calcium resulted in a 3- to 4-log reduction in the pathogen populations without apparent deteriorative effects. The bacterial numbers in the treated cabbage did not increase during storage at 4 degrees C. However, sensory evaluation including appearance and flavor indicated that the quality of the treated cabbage declined during storage. In conclusion, the combination of NaClO and calcinated calcium was useful in treatment before eating.