Abstract:

In order to predict the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in raw fish fillets, salmon slices, tuna slices and tilapia
slices were disinfected by cold sterilization, inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, transferred for storage at 4, 8, 15, 25
and 35 ℃, and then counted at appropriate time intervals. Five common primary models (Gompertz, Baranyi, Logistic,
Richards and MMF) were applied to fit the growth curve for Listeria monocytogenes. The correlation coefficient (R2) and
standard deviation (MSE) were compared to identify Gompertz model as the best fitting model. Extended square-root
models concerning growth kinetic parameters (maximum specific growth rate and lag period) of Listeria monocytogenes
as a function of temperature, pH, water activity (aw) and were developed. The R2, bias value (Bf) and accuracy (Af) were
calculated to evaluate the established models. The results showed that the secondary models could describe the growth of
Listeria monocytogenes in raw fish fillets with satisfaction.

Key words: raw f??ish fillets, Listeria monocytogenes, growth model