Researchers have developed films containing flavonoid-rich cocoa that have antimicrobial applications.
August 28/Paterna, Spain/Food Poisoning Bulletin -- Researchers at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology in Paterna, Spain, have developed films containing flavonoid-rich cocoa that have antimicrobial applications. The film is made from ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and could be used in the food packaging industry.
The catechins in the cocoa extract inhibit the growth of all the microorganisms tested. There were no differences in the effect between gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, which have different structures. Gram-negative bacteria include E. coli and Salmonella; gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. The films were very effective at inhibiting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in infant milk.