Use of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Inhibit the Growth of Clostridium Botulinum in a Novel Mussel Pack

Project Director
Newell, C. R.

Recipient Organization
GREAT EASTERN MUSSEL FARMS, INC.
P.O. BOX 141 LONG COVE ROAD
TENANTS HARBOR,ME 04860

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
Mussels are packed live in a non-permeable, drip-free package with a proprietary mixture of gases in order to improve freshness, improve processing yields and increase retail sales. Prior to regulatory approval, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) analysis of the package has identified the potential formation of botulism in packages exposed to temperature abuse as a serious hazard. The U.S. FDA recommends that at least two methods be used to prevent hazards, i.e. that the mussels will be spoiled beyond consumer acceptance before they are toxic to consumers, and that agents be added to the mussel pack to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Preliminary botulism challenge studies at the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia isolated lactic acid bacteria naturally present in the package which may inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. We anticipate isolating a strain of lactic acid bacteria which can be added to our mussel package to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. This will result in regulatory approval of a live mussel MAP technology in the U.S. We anticipate a doubling of retail sales when consumers experience added freshness and a drip-free package. Higher processing yields (by 10%) will result in a higher price to mussel aquaculturists and wild harvesters in the U.S. MAP mussel packs will also reduce the need for ice, waxed boxes and liners, resulting in greater environmental sustainability for the industry.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
712	3724	1100	50%
712	4010	1100	50%

Knowledge Area
712 - Protect Food from Contamination by Pathogenic Microorganisms, Parasites, and Naturally Occurring Toxins;

Subject Of Investigation
3724 - Clams and mussels; 4010 - Bacteria;

Field Of Science
1100 - Bacteriology;

Goals / Objectives
We propose to develop a Modified Atmosphere Pack (MAP) technology for selling live mussels in retail markets in the U.S.

Project Methods
We propose to screen lactic acid bacteria isolates for cold-tolerant strains and compare their efficacy in preventing growth of Clostridium botulinum relative to a packages without the added isolates.

Progress 05/15/03 to 11/14/04

Outputs
Mussels were packed in a modified atmosphere package (MAP) and a variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were added to the proprietary MAP formula (gas mixture, vacuum settings and buffer). One strain grew both aerobically and anaerobically and demonstrated inhibition to the growth of C. botulinum in spot on the lawn tests. A phase II SBIR project will perform botulism challenge studies with the purpose of gaining regulatory approval of the novel mussel pack for sales in the U.S.

Impacts
If approved by the FDA, the MAP mussel live package will provide consumers with a more attractive, fresher and drip-free package which will increase sales of cultivated mussels in the U.S., in line with expected increases in volumes of bottom and rope-grown mussels from Maine.

Publications

No publications reported this period