The dry sand inoculum was added to the chicken base paste or
powder formulations (10% w/w; 100 g sand inoculum in 900 g of
chicken base) to provide a Salmonella spp. concentration of 7.5 log
CFU/g per chicken bases. Powder formulations were homogenized
with the inoculated sand by mixing in a bowl mixer (Model Classic,
Kitchen-Aid) for 5 min. The inoculated chicken powder formulations
were then transferred into individual zip lock bags and stored
at 21 C. As it was convenient, individual chicken base paste formulations
were homogenized with the inoculated sand by mixing
with a sterile spoon in a sterile glass beaker for 3 min. The beaker
was then covered with aluminum foil and stored at 21 C. As per
conversation with the flavor bases supplier, the chicken base paste
and powder have a long, non-refrigerated shelf life. Therefore, it
was recommended to evaluate the Salmonella survival at room
temperature (21 C) storage.