Combined Effect of Organic Acids and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on in Chicken Legs.

The combined effect of organic acid (citric, propionic or acetic acid) treatment and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the growth of . in chicken legs kept at 4 °C for 10 days was evaluated. Chicken legs were inoculated with and washed with either 2% citric, 2% propionic or 2% acetic acid solution or distilled water (control). Legs were packaged under the following conditions: air, vacuum, 80% N/20% CO, 60% N/40% CO or 40% N/60% CO. The greatest growth reductions after treatment were observed in chicken legs washed with propionic acid (2.14 log units lower compared to control legs). The lowest growth rates of were found in samples washed with acetic acid and packaged in atmospheres containing CO. An extended shelf life was observed in legs packaged in 40% N/60% CO, but these packaging conditions did not reduce growth. Consequently, it is necessary to design measures in order to control this bacterial pathogen. Washing of chicken with 2% propionic acid or 2% acetic acid can decrease counts in chicken packaged in MAP.