Effects of sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, acetic and citric acids on growth and survival of Yersinia enterocolitica.

The effects of sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, acetic and citric acids on growth and survival of Yersinia enterocolitica in a laboratory medium were investigated. Acetic acid was found to be the most effective agent used, which completely inhibited the growth of the test organism at concentration of 0.156% (v/v) in the media incubated at 22 degrees C for 48 h. The antimicrobial activity of acetic acid and vinegar on the survival of the test bacterium in media incubated at 22 degrees C for 60 min was dependent on the inocula levels.