The citrus leaves essential oil and its main components were analyzed singularly, and exhibited a high inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, which are among the leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks, and C. albicans (an opportunistic fungal pathogen). Conversely Lactobacillus. spp. strains, were not inhibited by pompia essential oil, while they were inhibited by citral when used as single component.