Fate of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium during spontaneous cauliflower fermentation

The aim of this study was to assess the fate of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium strains during spontaneous cauliflower fermentation. For this purpose, they were inoculated separately at 2.0, 4.0 or 6.0 log cfu/mL. It has been exhibited that the fermentation was reproducible and both pathogens survived. L. monocytogenes strain seemed more capable in surviving than S. Typhimurium strain, especially at low (2.0 log cfu/mL) and medium (4.0 log cfu/mL) initial inocula, whereas no significant differences at high (6.0 log cfu/mL) initial inocula were observed. These results indicate the need for safety reassessment of spontaneously fermented vegetables.

► Both pathogens survived during spontaneous cauliflower fermentation.
► L. monocytogenes strain more capable in surviving at low and medium initial inocula.
► safety reassessment of spontaneously fermented vegetables is necessary.