What method can slow the growth of bacteria that require oxygen?

The method that can slow the growth of bacteria that require oxygen is reduced oxygen packaging methods. This approach directly affects the environment in which these bacteria thrive. Many bacteria need oxygen to grow and reproduce. By using reduced oxygen packaging, the availability of oxygen is limited, creating an inhospitable environment for aerobic bacteria. This technique not only helps to slow down their growth but also extends the shelf life of food products.

Other methods listed can affect bacteria and food safety in different ways, but they do not specifically target the oxygen requirement of aerobic bacteria. High temperature cooking kills bacteria rather than slowing their growth; freezing food effectively halts bacterial growth but does not specifically cater to the needs of oxygen-requiring bacteria, as they may still be viable upon thawing. Using preservatives can inhibit bacterial growth by various mechanisms but doesn’t directly address the requirement for oxygen. Hence, reduced oxygen packaging is the most effective method for slowing the growth of bacteria that thrive in oxygen-rich environments.