Lactic acid pre-treatment was examined to enhance the antimicrobial action of electron (e-) beam
irradiation of beef trim. Meat samples were inoculated with Escherichia coliO157:H7, non-O157 VTEC
E. coliorSalmonellacocktails and treated with 5% lactic acid at 55
C. Samples were packaged aerobically
or vacuum-packed, kept at 4
C and treated with 1 kGy e-beam energy. Frozen samples were treated with
1, 3 or 7 kGy and stored at20
C for5 d. Lactic acid enhanced the antimicrobial action of 1 kGy e-beam
treatment against Salmonellaby causing an additional