Growth Kinetics Parameters of Salmonella spp. in the Peel and in the Pulp of Custard Apple (Annona Squamosa)

The growth kinetic parameters (maximum growth rate, μ; lag time, λ and maximum population, k) of Salmonella spp. on the peel and in the pulp custard apple at 10, 15, 20 and 30°C were determinated. Samples of peel and pulp of custard apple were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains of Salmonella spp. (S. Typhimurium, S. Enteretidis and S. Montevideo) and further stored at 10, 15, 20 and 30°C. Salmonella can survive and multiply in both, the peel and in the pulp of the custard apple. Lower temperatures retard, but do not prevent Salmonella growth.