4. Conclusions
The results from this study suggest a novel strategy for the
inactivation of C. perfringens spores in meat products, which should
consist of the following steps: (i) a primary heat treatment (e.g.,
80 C for 10 min) to pasteurize and denature the meat proteins for
adequate palatability and to activate C. perfringens spores for
germination in the presence of AK; (ii) cooling of the product to
55 C in about 20 min and incubation at this temperature for about
next 15 min for spore germination; and (iii) inactivation of germinated spores by pressure-assisted thermal processing (e.g.,
586 MPa at 73 C for 10 min). However, the efficiency of this novel
strategy requires the bioavailability of L-asparagine and KCl
necessary for rapid spore germination (i.e., greater than 50 mM).
The FDA authorizes the use of L-asparagine as a nutrient or dietary
supplement, while KCl is an additive in the generally recognized as
safe (GRAS) category.