Predictive modelling and validation of Listeria innocua growth at superatmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations

An overall model to describe the growth of L. innocua under high carbon dioxide conditions was constructed based on nine growth experiments, using a weighted one-step regression procedure. The influence of carbon dioxide on lag time and maximum specific growth rate was described using Ratkowsky-type models and inserted in the Baranyi equation. The model described the growth very well. To assess the validity of the model, 14 additional experiments were carried out. There was a good correlation of the model predictions and observed validation data.