Chitosan Coating Inhibits the Growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Extends the Shelf Life of Vacuum-Packed Pork Loins at 4 °C

Chitosan coating is a promising method for food preservation. This study aims to fill the data gap regarding the application of chitosan (1% and 2%) on vacuum-packed fresh pork stored at 4 °C for 28 days, with particular attention on the effect on Listeria monocytogenes, inoculated as a cocktail of three strains. Chitosan at both concentrations was able to significantly reduce L. monocytogenes counts by more than 1.5 Log CFU/g with respect to control; moreover, it inhibited the growth of mesophilic bacteria and was particularly effective on lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The beneficial effects on shelf life were demonstrated by both panel test and pH evolution. In fact, panellists did not detect any sensory difference between samples treated with 1% chitosan and control up to 14 days of storage, while after 28 days, a pungent flesh odour was perceived in control samples only. Interestingly, at a(w) values of fresh meat (0.984), the chitosan coating exhibited a liquid behaviour, with a dynamic viscosity of 229.4 ± 4.2 mPa/s. Chitosan coating applied on vacuum-packed pork loins contained L. monocytogenes growth and improved the microbiological characteristics of the product, with a beneficial effect on product shelf life.