Survival of Major Food Pathogens in Natural Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) at Different Ratios and in Chicken Wings After Dipping

The aim of this study was to determine the viability of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in solutions prepared with readily available natural zeolite and in chicken wings decontaminated with these solutions. To determine the effect of zeolite on pathogen viability, solutions of different concentrations (5%, 10%, 25%) were prepared and contaminated. Their numbers were then determined at different times (2, 6, and 24 hours) during storage at 4 °C. To determine the effect of zeolite on the viability of pathogens in chicken wings, contaminated chicken wings were immersed in zeolite solutions prepared at three different concentrations (5%, 10%, 25%) for two different times (1.5 min, 3 min) and their numbers were determined. According to the results of this study, the number of S. Typhimurium decreased by approximately 2.5 log10, and the number of L. monocytogenes decreased by approximately 1.4 log10 in zeolite solutions. The number of pathogens was significantly reduced in decontaminated chicken wings (P≤0.05). In addition, increasing the concentration of zeolite and changing the time had a significant effect on the number of S. Typhimurium (P≤0.05). In conclusion, zeolite was found to be antimicrobial against S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes and has the potential to be used in the decontamination of poultry meat. It is envisaged that zeolite may be a natural alternative to ensure food safety in the near future. To this end, zeolite should be extensively investigated in other potential food applications.