A predictive model of growth from spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum in the presence of different CO2 concentrations as influenced by chill temperature, pH and NaCl

In the present study, the effect of modified atmospheres ranging from 0-90% CO2 (balance 10% H-2 and N-2) was evaluated on growth from spores of non-p roteolytic Clostridium botulinum (types B, E and F). at different pH and Na Cl concentrations, over the temperature range 5-12 degreesC Growth tests we re carried out using a model broth system, PYGS (peptone, yeast, glucose, s tarch). In general terms, a CO2 concentration of 5% enhanced growth, 50% CO 2 showed a moderate inhibition and 90% had a considerable inhibitory effect . A predictive model has been developed that describes the effect of CO2, i n combination with other mild preservative factors, on growth from spores o f non-proteolytic C. botulinum. The model provides ago od description of th e experimental data. (C) 2001 Academic Press.