Comparative growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens on precooked chicken nuggets stored under modified atmospheres

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens on precooked darkmeat chicken nuggets during refrigerated storage. The two organisms were separately inoculated on nuggets and stored under modified atmospheres (MA1 or MA2) at 3, 7, or 11 degrees C. The results show that the growth of P. fluorescens was inhibited by MAP to a greater extent than was the growth of L. monocytogenes. Even though growth of L. monocytogenes was inhibited by MAP, the organism was still capable of growth at all three temperatures. The effectiveness of MAP decreased with increasing temperature. Little difference in inhibition of growth was observed for either organism with MA1 or MA2