Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes represents a major pathogen of concern for ready-to-eat (RTE) foods due to its ability to survive and replicate in refrigerated environments. This study presents a comprehensive environmental and product survey of RTE dairy and deli-meat factories.
Methodology & Results
A total of 300 environmental swabs (drains, slicers, conveyor belts, walls) and 100 final product samples were gathered. We recovered 24 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes, representing an environmental prevalence of 8.0%. Floor drains and slicing machines in contact with cooked meats showed the highest contamination frequency.
Antimicrobial Profiles
Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling revealed that 12.5% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), specifically resisting Ampicillin and Erythromycin. This highlights the critical importance of implementing robust chemical rotational sanitization programs inside wet zones.