Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes in a cashew-based cheese analog model using two different Carnobacterium maltaromaticum strains

The present work assessed the anti-Listeria monocytogenes potential of two Carnobacterium maltaromaticum strains in liquid co-cultures and in model cheese analogs made with cashew nuts. These models were subjected to core and rind pH measurements as well as evaluation of their microbial diversity (bacteria and fungi) using amplicon sequencing, in the presence or absence of C. maltaromaticum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the two candidate strains were assessed for nine antibiotics, and these MICs were then compared to the threshold values recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).