Hurdle

Examples of a microbiological hurdle – a factor affecting the growth of a pathogen, for example, pH i.e. conditions that are acidic can control bacterial growth or the addition of a preservative (for example, in curing) i.e. Sodium Nitrate – do not fully kill the pathogen but act as a hurdle for growth. Sometimes, it is a combination of hurdles which stunts growth i.e. the AW on its own in fermented meats such as chorizo would not stop the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, but the addition of a preservative and a slightly acidic environment (pH of 5) all contribute to stunt growth.

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