Abstract
Carnitine has beneficial vitamin-like qualities and functions as a compatible solute. The presence of L-carnitine in infant formula significantly promoted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at 7°C, whereas disruption of the genes for carnitine and glycine betaine uptake compromised growth of the L. monocytogenes mutant in formula containing carnitine that was stored at 7°C. Thus, addition of carnitine to baby formula may pose a potential food safety risk.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1293-1295 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Journal of Food Protection |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2009 |