Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A in Tryptose Broth was treated with 100-300 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), 300-700 ppm butylated hydroxytolucne (BHT) and 10-30 ppm tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Resulting growth curves were fitted using the logistic model, and growth parameters [lag period (LP), generation time (GT), and maximum growth (MG)] were calculated. BHA and BHT inhibited List&a monocyrosenes by increasing LP and GT and decreasing MG. Extent of inhibition was concentration-dependent for cultures with BHA, but not with BHT. TBHQ at lo-30 ppm increased LP but did not affect other parameters. LP increased exponentially with increased BHA or TBHQ in Wisteria culture. Concentrations of additive required to increase LP by one order of magnitude were 240 ppm for BHA and 26 ppm for TBHQ.