Inactivation Kinetics of Foodborne Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria by Ozone

Ozone was tested against Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Leuconostoc mesenteroides , and Listeria monocytogenes. When kinetic data from a batch reactor were fitted to a dose‐response model, a 2‐phased linear relationship was observed. A continuous ozone reactor was developed to ensure a uniform exposure of bacterial cells to ozone and a constant concentration of ozone during the treatment. Survivors plots in the continuous system were linear initially, followed by a concave downward pattern. Exposure of bacteria to ozone at 2.5 ppm for 40 s caused 5 to 6 log decrease in count. Resistance of tested bacteria to ozone followed this descending order: E. coli O157:H7, P. fluorescens, L. mesenteroides , and L. monocytogenes.