The Antimicrobial Activity of Phenolic Compounds Against Listeria monocytogenes and Their Effectiveness in a Model Milk System.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of several phenolic compounds against eight strains of Listeria monocytogenes in tryptose phosphate agar (TPA) was determined. Based upon concentration, the most effective compound was the phenolic antioxidant tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) which had a MIC of 64 μg/ml. Among the FDA approved food antimicrobials, the most effective was propyl paraben with a MIC of 512 μg/ml.