Applying a generalized z-value concept to quantify and compare the effect of environmental factors on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes

The z-value concept, commonly used in thermal death kinetics of bacteria, i s generalized for growth and for the situation when the modelled growth par ameter is a non-linear function of several environmental variables. The (ha rmonic) mean of the generalized z-value in the region of interest is applie d to quantify the 'average' effect of an environmental variable. This mean is used to compare the effect of temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. (C) 2001 Academic Press.