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Notes:
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Traditional antimicrobials have been extensively used for many years. However, consumers are currently
demanding wholesome, fresh-like, and safe foods without addition of chemically synthesized preservatives.
The application of novel natural antimicrobials to assure safety of fresh-cut fruits and unpasteurized juices while
preventing quality loss is a promising alternative. The effectiveness of these natural substances added to fruit derivatives
has been studied by different researchers. Antimicrobials of animal (lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and chitosan),
plant (essential oils, aldehydes, esters, herbs, and spices), and microbial origin (nisin) can be used to effectively
reduce pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in fresh-cut fruits and fruit juices. Nevertheless, the use of these
compounds at a commercial level is still limited due to several factors such as impact on sensory attributes or, in
some cases, regulatory issues concerning their use. Therefore, extensive research on the effects of each antimicrobial
on food sensory characteristics is still needed so that antimicrobial substances of natural origin can be regarded
as feasible alternatives to synthetic ones.
The Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology supported this study through the project AGL 2003-09208-C01. The Council of Scientific and Humanistic Development of Central Univ. of Venezuela, Caracas-Venezuela, supplied a grant for the doctoral studies of Rosa M. Raybaudi-Massilia. |
