Comparing the effect of NaCl and KCl on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes with a view to NaCl replacement

In this study, the effects of various concentrations of NaCl and KCl and partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on the growth characteristics of L. monocytogenes were evaluated. It was found that L. monocytogenes can grow in the presence of 1-9% NaCl and 1-11% KCl. The higher the concentration of salt used, the longer the lag phase induced. In addition, it was observed that L. monocytogenes tolerate KCl better than NaCl when using the same percents in broth. In an attempt to partially replace NaCl with KCl, it was found that the level of substitution of NaCl with KCl can be at least 25% without risking the microbiological safety, with respect to L. monocytogenes of the product, but not as high as 50%.