In addition, in a study with grapes wrapped in 2 distinct films having different permeabilities, and treated with or without the addition of a mixture of eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol (Guillen and others 2007), the microbial counts (of molds, yeasts, and mesophilic aerobics) drastically decreased, and consequently diminished berry decay. Although a slight odor was detected after opening the packages, the typical flavors of those active compounds were not detected by trained panelists after tasting the berries. Thus, with this safe and simple technology, the overall quality (sensory and safety) of grapes could be improved significantly (Guillen and others 2007). Ethanol extract of cinnamon bark (1% to 2% w/v) and cinnamic aldehyde (2 mM) inhibited Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Lysteria innocua in vitro (Muthuswamy and others 2008). Ethanol extract of cinnamon bark (1% w/v) reduced the aerobic growth of bacteria inoculated fresh-cut apples significantly during storage at 6 °C up to 12 d. Catechin, chlorogenic acid, and phloridzin, 3 phenolic compounds that are abundant in apple processing byproducts, exhibited varying degree of inhibitory action toward the growth of tested food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, fungi, and yeasts (Muthuswamy and Rupasinghe 2007). However, it is important to note that these phenolics (except 25 mM phloridzin) did not inhibit the probiotic bacterium Lac. rhamnosus suggesting no or minimal threat to the beneficial colon microflora, if the phenolics are used as food additives at the desirable concentrations. Also these authors suggest that the major phenolic compounds of apple byproducts could find use as food additives, however, the regulatory aspects of the use of plant extracts as fresh-cut fruit additives must be contemplated.