The SO2-extract combinations inhibited microbial growth, increasing shelf life by three days, although trends indicated only marginal improvement in microbial quality as a result of the addition of ascorbate, GTE and GSE.
SO2 is very active against gram negative bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae.
Reducing agents such as ascorbate or polyphenols could protect SO2 against oxidation, enabling SO2 to act for more time.
GSE would be mainly effective against gram positive bacteria, with gallic acid as the main active component.
GTE would inhibit E. coli, S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus mutans.
Currently used doses of ascorbate do not have an antimicrobial effect on psychrotrophics in raw patties