Specific molecular detection of Carnobacterium piscicola SF668 in cold smoked salmon

Abstract

To establish a rapid and reliable multiplex PCR (mPCR)-based method allowing specific identification of Carnobacterium piscicola SF668 during storage of cold smoked salmon (CSS). CSS was inoculated with C. piscicola SF668 and stored at 4 degrees C. Samples were withdrawn at regular time intervals and analysed by counting the number of viable cells. About 25-100% of colonies grown on Elliker plates were subjected to mPCR amplification. The results show that strains presumably identified as C. piscicola SF668 were predominant over the test period. mPCR is a powerful tool to study competitiveness of C. piscicola SF668, which inhibits the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The present study demonstrates the importance of molecular methods in studying competitiveness of strains with potential food applications.