Natural preservatives for hams: Essential oil mixtures and major compounds' efficacy against Clostridium sporogenes

The demand for healthier products by consumers has prompted research into the use of essential oils (EOs), which are known for their antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of EOs as a potential alternative to synthetic preservatives, specifically, cinnamon, clove, and oregano EOs, as well as their majority compounds (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and carvacrol) on Clostridium sporogenes inoculated in hams. The findings of the study revealed that cinnamon EO and its major compound cinnamaldehyde were the most efficient in inhibiting the growth of C. sporogenes, demonstrating the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration MBC (0.1%). The combination of oregano EO, cinnamon EO, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol led to a significant decrease in bacterial growth (approximately 3 log) after 28 days in hams. Furthermore, the presence of spores was not observed for 14 days (at 14°C) and 21 days (at 7°C) of storage, indicating a delay in sporulation. The treatments using the combination of EOs, and their major compounds had minimal impact on the color of the hams while maintaining the physicochemical characteristics of the product. This study demonstrates that EOs and their major compounds can be applied as natural preservatives in ham, offering a potential alternative for reducing the use of nitrites in various food types. The research emphasizes the antibacterial efficacy of cinnamon, clove, and oregano EOs, along with their major compounds, in inhibiting C. sporogenes in ham. The findings indicate that these natural alternatives could be valuable in preserving food products and reducing the reliance on synthetic preservatives.