Inactivation of Salmonella in salted water used for Kimchi production

Salmonella may accumulate and proliferate in salt solutions that are reused during Kimchi production. To investigate the potential for inactivation of Salmonella in these solutions using the microwave-ultraviolet treatment system (MUTS), freshly prepared salt solutions were inoculated with Salmonella, treated with the MUTS, and studied for microbial inactivation. Based on the inactivation kinetics of Salmonella, the number of treatment needed to reduce Salmonella populations by 90% (dR value) for S. Enteritidis at various NaCl concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 10%, w/v) were determined to be 0.30, 0.53, 0.26, 0.28, and 0.25 cycles. For S. Typhimurium, the dR values were 0.37, 0.53, 0.49, 0.48, and 0.28 cycles. In particular, both S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were not detected within four cycles of MUTS treatment. These results suggest that the MUTS can inactivate Salmonella in salted water used for Kimchi production and provide reuse of salted water. ► Salmonella may proliferate in salt solution reused during Kimchi production. ► We investigate the effect of microwave-ultraviolet treatment system (MUTS). ► Salmonella were not detected within 4 cycles of MUTS treatment. ► MUTS treatment can improve the microbial safety of reused salt solution.