To inhibit the proliferation of L. monocytogenes and other foodborne pathogens, antimicrobials, such as lactate and diacetate, have been added to RTE meats during processing. The ability
of L. monocytogenes to grow in deli meats varies based on the product formulation,storage temperature,and the presence of native microflora evaluated the growth of Listeria on four types of deli meats (with or without lactate or diacetate) under different aerobic consumer storage conditions. Their results showed that although lactate and diacetate suppressed
Listeria growth, the extent of inhibition differed, ranging from total inhibition in roast beef to only partial inhibition in ham and cured turkey.