The results obtained revealed a synergistic interaction between
OVEO and ROEO, as the combination of these EOs at subinhibitory
concentrations (1/2 MIC OVEO þ 1/2 ROEO and 1/2 MIC
OVEO þ 1/4 ROEO) against the pathogens associated with fresh
leafy vegetable L. monocytogenes, E. coli and S. Enteritidis. The
essential oils combined at subinhibitory concentrations were
effective in decreasing the counts of these pathogenic bacteria in
vegetable broth and in fresh leafy vegetables, as of the spoilage
native flora in fresh leafy vegetables. Overall, these findings support
the use of OVEO and ROEO at subinhibitory concentrations as
alternatives to guarantee the safety and extend the shelf-life of
fresh leafy vegetables.