Rm. Garciagimeno et G. Zureracosano, DETERMINATION OF READY-TO-EAT VEGETABLE SALAD SHELF-LIFE, International journal of food microbiology, 36(1), 1997, pp. 31-38
The shelf-life of ready-to-eat vegetable salads established by manufac
turers is usually 7-14 days depending on the type of vegetable, and is
determined by loss in organoleptic qualities. A more objective method
to predict shelf-life and spoilage would be desirable. The present st
udy monitored the evolution of spoilage organisms in a mixed salad of
red cabbage, lettuce and carrot stored at 4 degrees C, 10 degrees C an
d 15 degrees C. Changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations an
d pH were also monitored. Predictive modelling was used to establish a
theoretical shelf-life time as a function of temperature. Lactic acid
bacteria at levels of 10(6) cfu/g appeared to be related to both spoi
lage and theoretically-predicted shelf-life values. (C) 1997 Elsevier
Science B.V.