Nanoemulsions were more stable than coarse emulsions.
Survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 was affected by anise oil.
Antimicrobial activity of anise oil emulsions is related to emulsion type and level.
Minimum inhibitory concentration of anise oil emulsions was 1% (v/v) for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7.
Anise oil emulsions can be used as antimicrobial agent in aqueous matrix.