Listeria Monocytogenes in the Retail Food Service Environment

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the biggest microbial concerns affecting today’s food industry. It is a ubiquitous liability with a high mortality rate, unique characteristics of growth and survival in many environmental conditions, making the pathogen a true risk to consumer health. Recent outbreaks of listeriosis have caused fatalities, massive well-publicized recalls costing the food industry heavy financial losses and damaged reputation. L. monocytogenes is the forefront of impediment and educational efforts from private industry and government agencies. The purpose of this study is to assess the features and concern of L. monocytogenes in the retail food service environment and its impact on operations. Regulatory surveillance of testing environmental samples and food products for L. monocytogenes highlight prevention. Organizations in the retail food service industry need a separate plan for training, food handling, sanitation and financial allocation to combat the potential threat of L. monocytogenes contamination.