Processing slime from snail (Helix aspersa maxima): a preliminary study on the effect on microbial load

Slime from earth snails (Helix aspersa maxima) is a sub-product often used in the cosmetic industry. Due to its origin, a decontamination process ought to be considered. After exposure to UV radiation, no significant (P > 0.05) reduction of the initial microbial load of slime was observed, while treated at 60 °C, a decrease of 4.0 log CFU∙mL-1 was obtained (when compared to non-treated slime). A similar reduction was attained for pressurized (500 MPa) slime. The sequential combination of temperature and pressure treatment had a similar effect (P > 0.05) on the microbial load when compared to 400 MPa (30 min), but the reduction was higher when compared to the less intense treatments (60 °C, 15 min; 400 MPa, 15 min). Overall, the results suggest that pressure (400 MPa) is a promising technology for processing snail slime, which can have positive effects on its microbial load, for further use in the cosmetic industry