Abstract
The effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) in conjunction with an essential oil-based active packaging on the surface of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breast were investigated as post-processing listericidal treatment. Three different treatments were used, and all samples were vacuum packed: (i) HPP at 500 MPa for 1 min (control), (ii) active packaging based on coriander essential oil, and (iii) active packaging and HPP. When applied individually, active packaging and pressurisation delayed the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The combination of HPP and active packaging resulted in a synergistic effect reducing the counts of the pathogen below the detection limit throughout 60 days storage at 4 °C. However, when these samples were stored at 8 °C, growth did occur, but again a delay in growth was observed. The effects on colour and lipid oxidation were also studied during storage and were not significantly affected by the treatments. Active packaging followed by in-package pressure treatment could be a useful approach to reduce the risk of L. monocytogenes in cooked chicken without impairing its quality.