CARNOSINE INCREASES IRRADIATION RESISTANCE OF AEROMONAS-HYDROPHILA INMINCED TURKEY MEAT

The effect of carnosine on irradiation inactivation kinetics of Aeromo nas hydrophila was studied, In phosphate buffer, carnosine had no effe ct on survival of the pathogen, whereas in turkey meat supplemented wi th carnosine the adverse effect of irradiation on A. hydrophila was re duced. Peroxy radicals were toxic to A. hydrophila, and this effect wa s counteracted by carnosine. Accordingly, in a kinetic test carnosine was capable of scavenging peroxy radicals. These results indicate that a free radical scavenger antioxidant such as carnosine can increase t he radiation resistance of A. hydrophila in meat due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation caused by radiolysis.