Dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes colonisation in a newly-opened meat processing facility

Meat Sci. 2016 Mar:113:26-34. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.10.016. Epub 2015 Oct 31.

Abstract

This study determined the colonisation scenario of Listeria monocytogenes in a newly-opened ready-to-eat meat processing facility using a combination of classical microbiology and molecular biology techniques. Samples (n=183), including food contact surfaces, non-food contact surfaces, raw materials and food samples, collected on four sampling occasions, were analysed for L. monocytogenes by the ISO 11290:1996 standard method and by real-time PCR applied to the second enrichment broth from the ISO method. No L. monocytogenes were detected on the first sampling occasion, but by the second sampling occasion a persistent clone had colonised the facility. Analysis of the second enrichment of the ISO method by real-time PCR was more sensitive for the detection of L. monocytogenes than the ISO method alone. In order to reduce the risk of cross contamination and the public health risk, awareness and proactive measures are required to control L. monocytogenes from the first days of production in a newly opened meat processing facility.

Keywords: Benzalkonium chloride (PubChem CID: 15865); Colonisation; Hydrogen peroxide (PubChem CID: 784); Hygiene; Listeria monocytogenes; Meat processing environment; Peracetic acid (PubChem CID: 6585); Prevalence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteriological Techniques
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Food Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Food Handling / instrumentation*
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Microbiology
  • Listeria monocytogenes / physiology*
  • Meat / microbiology*
  • Stainless Steel

Substances

  • Stainless Steel