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Pracser N, Zaiser A, Ying HMK, Pietzka A, Wagner M, Rychli K. Diverse Listeria monocytogenes in-house clones are present in a dynamic frozen vegetable processing environment. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 410:110479. [PMID: 37977080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is of global concern for food safety as the listeriosis-causing pathogen is widely distributed in the food processing environments, where it can survive for a long time. Frozen vegetables contaminated with L. monocytogenes were recently identified as the source of two large listeriosis outbreaks in the EU and US. So far, only a few studies have investigated the occurrence and behavior of Listeria in frozen vegetables and the associated processing environment. This study investigates the occurrence of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in a frozen vegetable processing environment and in frozen vegetable products. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), the distribution of sequence types (MLST-STs) and core genome sequence types (cgMLST-CT) of L. monocytogenes were assessed, and in-house clones were identified. Comparative genomic analyses and phenotypical characterization of the different MLST-STs and isolates were performed, including growth ability under low temperatures, as well as survival of freeze-thaw cycles. Listeria were widely disseminated in the processing environment and five in-house clones namely ST451-CT4117, ST20-CT3737, ST8-CT1349, ST8-CT6243, ST224-CT5623 were identified among L. monocytogenes isolates present in environmental swab samples. Subsequently, the identified in-house clones were also detected in product samples. Conveyor belts were a major source of contamination in the processing environment. A wide repertoire of stress resistance markers supported the colonization and survival of L. monocytogenes in the frozen vegetable processing facility. The presence of ArgB was significantly associated with in-house clones. Significant differences were also observed in the growth rate between different MLST-STs at low temperatures (4 °C and 10 °C), but not between in-house and non-in-house isolates. All isolates harbored major virulence genes such as full length InlA and InlB and LIPI-1, yet there were differences between MLST-STs in the genomic content. The results of this study demonstrate that WGS is a strong tool for tracing contamination sources and transmission routes, and for identifying in-house clones. Further research targeting the co-occurring microbiota and the presence of biofilms is needed to fully understand the mechanism of colonization and persistence in a food processing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Pracser
- FFoQSI GmbH-Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Andreas Zaiser
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hui Min Katharina Ying
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ariane Pietzka
- Austrian National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Beethovenstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Martin Wagner
- FFoQSI GmbH-Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria; Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kathrin Rychli
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Zakrzewski A, Purkiewicz A, Jakuć P, Wiśniewski P, Sawicki T, Chajęcka-Wierzchowska W, Tańska M. Effectiveness of various solvent-produced thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extracts in inhibiting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen vegetables. NFS JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nfs.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Kaptchouang Tchatchouang CD, Fri J, Montso PK, Amagliani G, Schiavano GF, Manganyi MC, Baldelli G, Brandi G, Ateba CN. Evidence of Virulent Multi-Drug Resistant and Biofilm-Forming Listeria Species Isolated from Various Sources in South Africa. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080843. [PMID: 36014964 PMCID: PMC9416180 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes species and is known to cause severe complications, particularly in pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Listeria species in food and water using both biochemical and species-specific PCR analysis. L. monocytogenes isolates were further screened for the presence of various antibiotic resistance, virulence, and biofilm-forming determinants profiles using phenotypic and genotypic assays. A total of 207 samples (composed of meat, milk, vegetables, and water) were collected and analyzed for presence of L. monocytogenes using species specific PCR analysis. Out of 267 presumptive isolates, 53 (19.85%) were confirmed as the Listeria species, and these comprised 26 L. monocytogenes, 3 L. innocua, 2 L. welshimeri, and 1 L. thailandensis. The remaining 21 Listeria species were classified as uncultured Listeria, based on 16SrRNA sequence analysis results. A large proportion (76% to 100%) of the L. monocytogenes were resistant to erythromycin (76%), clindamycin (100%), gentamicin (100%), tetracycline (100%), novobiocin (100%), oxacillin (100%), nalidixic acid (100%), and kanamycin (100%). The isolates revealed various multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes, with E-DA-GM-T-NO-OX-NA-K being the most predominant MDR phenotypes observed in the L. monocytogenes isolates. The virulence genes prfA, hlyA, actA, and plcB were detected in 100%, 68%, 56%, and 20% of the isolates, respectively. In addition, L. monocytogenes isolates were capable of forming strong biofilm at 4 °C (%) after 24 to 72 h incubation periods, moderate for 8% isolates at 48 h and 20% at 72 h (p < 0.05). Moreover, at 25 °C and 37 °C, small proportions of the isolates displayed moderate (8−20%) biofilm formation after 48 and 72 h incubation periods. Biofilm formation genes flaA and luxS were detected in 72% and 56% of the isolates, respectively. These findings suggest that proper hygiene measures must be enforced along the food chain to ensure food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christ-Donald Kaptchouang Tchatchouang
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (C.-D.K.T.); (J.F.); (P.K.M.)
| | - Justine Fri
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (C.-D.K.T.); (J.F.); (P.K.M.)
| | - Peter Kotsoana Montso
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (C.-D.K.T.); (J.F.); (P.K.M.)
| | - Giulia Amagliani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (G.A.); (G.B.); (G.B.)
| | | | - Madira Coutlyne Manganyi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
| | - Giulia Baldelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (G.A.); (G.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Giorgio Brandi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (G.A.); (G.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (C.-D.K.T.); (J.F.); (P.K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-18-389-2247
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Kayode AJ, Okoh AI. Incidence and genetic diversity of multi-drug resistant Listeria monocytogenes isolates recovered from fruits and vegetables in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 363:109513. [PMID: 34971880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity and antibiogram profiles of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) recovered from fruits and vegetables sourced from three District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa after the recent listeriosis outbreak in the country. The procedure outlined by the International Organization for Standardization EN ISO 11290:2017 Parts 1 and 2 was adopted for the isolation of Lm from 140 vegetable samples. Molecular detection of the pathogen and the presence of 10 virulence-associated markers were assessed. Lm was detected in 42.86% of all the vegetable samples tested. Highest prevalence was recorded in tomato (65.52%) followed by spinach (56.67%), cabbage (38.10%), apple (36.84%), mushroom (29.41%) and carrot (10%). The virulence determinants including the inlA, inlC, prfA and plcA, hly, plcB genes were detected in all Lm isolates whereas, inlJ (88.35%), inlB (86.41%), mpl (92.23%) and actA (84.55%) respectively. High susceptibility (> 50) was observed to all antibiotics tested except for sulfamethoxazole (17.48%), streptomycin (38.84%), amoxicillin (41.75%) and erythromycin (43.69%). However, high resistance against sulfamethoxazole (80.58%), amoxicillin (58.25%) and erythromycin (49.52%) were observed. About 85.44% of Lm isolates showed multidrug-resistance phenotypes against the test antibiotics. Furthermore, twenty (20) resistance genes encoding tetracyclines, sulphonamides, phenicols, aminoglycosides, β-lactamases, and variants of the extended-spectrum of β-lactamases (ESBLs) resistance were detected among the Lm isolates. The sul2 (90.81), tetM (68.42%) sul1 (45.98%) were more prevalent among the resistant strains. The dendrogram signatures generating seven clades is an indication of the high genetic diversity among the isolates. We conclude that the presence of Lm in fruits and vegetables is a potential threat to the consumers and a potential public health hazard, particularly to the high-risk group of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeoye John Kayode
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Center, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa.
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Center, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
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Ortiz-Solà J, Viñas I, Aguiló-Aguayo I, Bobo G, Abadias M. An innovative water-assisted UV-C disinfection system to improve the safety of strawberries frozen under cryogenic conditions. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2021.102756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Prevalence of Listeria Species on Food Contact Surfaces in Washington State Apple Packinghouses. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02932-20. [PMID: 33608295 PMCID: PMC8091025 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02932-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2014 caramel apple listeriosis outbreak was traced back to cross-contamination between food contact surfaces (FCS) of equipment used for packing and fresh apples. For Washington state, the leading apple producer in the United States with 79% of its total production directed to the fresh market, managing the risk of apple contamination with Listeria monocytogenes within the packing environment is crucial. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS in Washington state apple packinghouses over two packing seasons and to identify those FCS types with the greatest likelihood to harbor Listeria spp. Five commercial apple packinghouses were visited quarterly over two consecutive year-long packing seasons. A range of 27 to 50 FCS were swabbed at each facility to detect Listeria spp. at two sample times, (i) postsanitation and (ii) in-process (3 h of packinghouse operation), following a modified protocol of the FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual method. Among 2,988 samples tested, 4.6% (n = 136) were positive for Listeria spp. Wax coating was the unit operation from which Listeria spp. were most frequently isolated. The FCS that showed the greatest prevalence of Listeria spp. were polishing brushes, stainless steel dividers and brushes under fans/blowers, and dryer rollers. The prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS increased throughout apple storage time. The results of this study will aid apple packers in controlling for contamination and harborage of L. monocytogenes and improving cleaning and practices for sanitation of the FCS on which Listeria spp. are the most prevalent.IMPORTANCE Since 2014, fresh apples have been linked to outbreaks and recalls associated with postharvest cross-contamination with the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes These situations drive both public health burden and economic loss and underscore the need for continued scrutiny of packinghouse management to eliminate potential Listeria niches. This research assesses the prevalence of Listeria spp. on FCS in apple packinghouses and identifies those FCS most likely to harbor Listeria spp. Such findings are essential for the apple-packing industry striving to further understand and exhaustively mitigate the risk of contamination with L. monocytogenes to prevent future listeriosis outbreaks and recalls.
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Girbal M, Strawn LK, Murphy CM, Bardsley CA, Schaffner DW. ComBase Models Are Valid for Predicting Fate of Listeria monocytogenes on 10 Whole Intact Raw Fruits and Vegetables. J Food Prot 2021; 84:597-610. [PMID: 33232452 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes was associated with more than 60 produce recalls, including tomato, cherry, broccoli, lemon, and lime, between 2017 and 2020. This study describes the effects of temperature, time, and food substrate as factors influencing L. monocytogenes behavior on whole intact raw fruits and vegetables. Ten intact whole fruit and vegetable commodities were chosen based on data gaps identified in a systematic literature review. Produce investigated belong to major commodity families: Ericaceae (blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry), Rutaceae (lemon and mandarin orange), Roseaceae (sweet cherry), Solanaceae (tomato), Brassaceae (cauliflower and broccoli), and Apiaceae (carrot). A cocktail of five L. monocytogenes strains that included clinical, food, or environmental isolates linked to foodborne outbreaks was used to inoculate intact whole fruits and vegetables. Samples were incubated at 2, 12, 22, 30, and 35°C with relative humidities matched to typical real-world conditions. Foods were sampled (n = 6) for up to 28 days, depending on temperature. Growth and decline rates were estimated using DMFit, an Excel add-in. Growth rates were compared with ComBase modeling predictions for L. monocytogenes. Almost every experiment showed initial growth, followed by subsequent decline. L. monocytogenes was able to grow on the whole intact surface of all produce tested, except for carrot. The 10 produce commodities supported growth of L. monocytogenes at 22 and 35°C. Growth and survival at 2 and 12°C varied by produce commodity. The standard deviation of the square root growth and decline rates showed significantly larger variability in both growth and decline rates within replicates as temperature increased. When L. monocytogenes growth occurred, it was conservatively modeled by ComBase Predictor, and growth was generally followed by decreases in concentration. This research will assist in understanding the risks of foodborne disease outbreaks and recalls associated with L. monocytogenes on fresh whole produce. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Girbal
- Department of Food Science, 65 Dudley Road, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
| | - Laura K Strawn
- Department of Food Science & Technology, 1230 Washington Street S.W., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Claire M Murphy
- Department of Food Science & Technology, 1230 Washington Street S.W., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Cameron A Bardsley
- Department of Food Science & Technology, 1230 Washington Street S.W., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Donald W Schaffner
- Department of Food Science, 65 Dudley Road, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901.,(ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9200-0400 [D.W.S.])
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Wagner M, Stessl B. Sampling the Food-Processing Environment: Taking Up the Cudgel for Preventive Quality Management in Food Processing (FP). Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2220:233-242. [PMID: 32975779 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0982-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Listeria monitoring program for Austrian dairies and cheese factories was established in 1988. The aim was to control the entrance of L. monocytogenes into the food-processing environment (FPE), preventing the contamination of food under processing. The Austrian Listeria monitoring program comprises four levels of investigation, dealing with routine monitoring of samples and consequences of finding a positive sample. Preventive quality control concepts attempt to detect a foodborne hazard along the food-processing chain, prior to food delivery, retailing, and consumption. The implementation of a preventive food safety concept provokes a deepened insight by the manufacturers into problems concerning food safety. The development of preventive quality assurance strategies contributes to the national food safety status and protects public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wagner
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department of Farm Animal and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Austrian Competence Center for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Tulln, Austria.
| | - Beatrix Stessl
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department of Farm Animal and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Maćkiw E, Korsak D, Kowalska J, Felix B, Stasiak M, Kucharek K, Postupolski J. Incidence and genetic variability of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from vegetables in Poland. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 339:109023. [PMID: 33341686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in various fresh and frozen vegetable products available in Poland. The samples were collected at retail market within the framework of national official control and monitoring program. In the years 2016-2019 a total of 49 samples out of 8712 collected vegetable samples were positive for L. monocytogenes. Our findings demonstrated that the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in various vegetable products was generally low, on average only 0.56% in the studied years. All isolates were susceptible to 11 antimicrobial agents: penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, vancomycin, and tetracycline. All of them harbored virulence-associated genes (inlA, inlC, and lmo2672), 82% harbored inlJ gene and few of them (22%) also possessed the llsX gene. The majority of collected isolates (65%) belonged to molecular serogroup 1/2a-3a, followed by 4ab-4b-4d-4e (33%), and only one to serogroup 1/2b-3b-7 (2%). Isolates yielded 18 different restriction profiles, revealing a large cluster of contamination linked to frozen corn (21 strains) and distributed in 3 pulsotypes. MLST analysis classified selected isolates into nine clonal complexes (CCs). The obtained results contribute to characterizing the diversity of L. monocytogenes isolated from various vegetable products in Poland and their impact on food safety and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Maćkiw
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Korsak
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Benjamin Felix
- European Union Reference Laboratory for L. monocytogenes, ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, University of Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Monika Stasiak
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kucharek
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Postupolski
- Department of Food Safety, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
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Willis C, McLauchlin J, Aird H, Amar C, Barker C, Dallman T, Elviss N, Lai S, Sadler-Reeves L. Occurrence of Listeria and Escherichia coli in frozen fruit and vegetables collected from retail and catering premises in England 2018–2019. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 334:108849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Koutsoumanis K, Alvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Jordan K, Sampers I, Wagner M, Da Silva Felicio MT, Georgiadis M, Messens W, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Allende A. The public health risk posed by Listeria monocytogenes in frozen fruit and vegetables including herbs, blanched during processing. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06092. [PMID: 32874300 PMCID: PMC7448082 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes ST6 linked to blanched frozen vegetables (bfV) took place in the EU (2015-2018). Evidence of food-borne outbreaks shows that L. monocytogenes is the most relevant pathogen associated with bfV. The probability of illness per serving of uncooked bfV, for the elderly (65-74 years old) population, is up to 3,600 times greater than cooked bfV and very likely lower than any of the evaluated ready-to-eat food categories. The main factors affecting contamination and growth of L. monocytogenes in bfV during processing are the hygiene of the raw materials and process water; the hygienic conditions of the food processing environment (FPE); and the time/Temperature (t/T) combinations used for storage and processing (e.g. blanching, cooling). Relevant factors after processing are the intrinsic characteristics of the bfV, the t/T combinations used for thawing and storage and subsequent cooking conditions, unless eaten uncooked. Analysis of the possible control options suggests that application of a complete HACCP plan is either not possible or would not further enhance food safety. Instead, specific prerequisite programmes (PRP) and operational PRP activities should be applied such as cleaning and disinfection of the FPE, water control, t/T control and product information and consumer awareness. The occurrence of low levels of L. monocytogenes at the end of the production process (e.g. < 10 CFU/g) would be compatible with the limit of 100 CFU/g at the moment of consumption if any labelling recommendations are strictly followed (i.e. 24 h at 5°C). Under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use (i.e. 48 h at 12°C), L. monocytogenes levels need to be considerably lower (not detected in 25 g). Routine monitoring programmes for L. monocytogenes should be designed following a risk-based approach and regularly revised based on trend analysis, being FPE monitoring a key activity in the frozen vegetable industry.
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Estrada EM, Hamilton AM, Sullivan GB, Wiedmann M, Critzer FJ, Strawn LK. Prevalence, Persistence, and Diversity of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria Species in Produce Packinghouses in Three U.S. States. J Food Prot 2020; 83:277-286. [PMID: 31961227 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-19-411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes has emerged as a food safety concern for several produce commodities. Although L. monocytogenes contamination can occur throughout the supply chain, contamination from the packinghouse environment represents a particular challenge and has been linked to outbreaks and recalls. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, persistence, and diversity of L. monocytogenes and other species of Listeria in produce packinghouses. A longitudinal study was performed in 11 packinghouses (whose commodities included microgreen, peach, apple, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber) in three U.S. states. In each packinghouse, 34 to 47 sites representing zones 2 to 4 were selected and swabbed. Packinghouses were visited four times over the packing season, and samples were tested for Listeria by following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual methods. Presumptive Listeria-positive isolates were confirmed by PCR. Species and allelic type (AT) were identified by sigB sequencing for up to eight isolates per sample. Among 1,588 samples tested, 50 (3.2%), 42 (2.7%), and 10 (0.6%) samples were positive for L. monocytogenes only, Listeria spp. (excluding L. monocytogenes) only, and both L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp., respectively. Five species of Listeria (L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, and L. marthii) were identified, and L. monocytogenes was the most prevalent species. The 102 Listeria-positive samples yielded 128 representative isolates (i.e., defined as isolates from a given sample with a different AT). Approximately 21% (21 of 102) of the Listeria-positive samples contained two or more ATs. A high AT diversity (0.95 Simpson's diversity index) was observed among Listeria isolates. There were three cases of L. monocytogenes or Listeria spp. repeated isolation (site testing positive at least twice) based on AT data. Data from this study also support the importance of drain and moisture management, because Listeria were most prevalent in samples collected from drain, cold storage, and wet nonfood contact surface sites. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Estrada
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Painter, Virginia 23420
| | - Alexis M Hamilton
- Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | | | - Martin Wiedmann
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Faith J Critzer
- Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Laura K Strawn
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech, Painter, Virginia 23420
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Gu G, Ottesen A, Bolten S, Wang L, Luo Y, Rideout S, Lyu S, Nou X. Impact of routine sanitation on the microbiomes in a fresh produce processing facility. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 294:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Donis-González IR, Jeong S, Guyer DE, Fulbright DW. Microbial Contamination in Peeled Chestnuts and the Efficacy of Postprocessing Treatments for Microbial Spoilage Management. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irwin R. Donis-González
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824
| | - Sanghyup Jeong
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824
| | - Daniel E. Guyer
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824
| | - Dennis W. Fulbright
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824
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Muhterem-Uyar M, Dalmasso M, Bolocan AS, Hernandez M, Kapetanakou AE, Kuchta T, Manios SG, Melero B, Minarovičová J, Nicolau AI, Rovira J, Skandamis PN, Jordan K, Rodríguez-Lázaro D, Stessl B, Wagner M. Environmental sampling for Listeria monocytogenes control in food processing facilities reveals three contamination scenarios. Food Control 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Sampling the food processing environment: taking up the cudgel for preventive quality management in food processing environments. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1157:275-83. [PMID: 24792566 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0703-8_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The Listeria monitoring program for Austrian cheese factories was established in 1988. The basic idea is to control the introduction of L. monocytogenes into the food processing environment, preventing the pathogen from contaminating the food under processing. The Austrian Listeria monitoring program comprises four levels of investigation, dealing with routine monitoring of samples and consequences of finding a positive sample. Preventive quality control concepts attempt to detect a foodborne hazard along the food processing chain, prior to food delivery, retailing, and consumption. The implementation of a preventive food safety concept provokes a deepened insight by the manufacturers into problems concerning food safety. The development of preventive quality assurance strategies contributes to the national food safety status and protects public health.
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Kaminski CN, Davidson GR, Ryser ET. Listeria monocytogenes transfer during mechanical dicing of celery and growth during subsequent storage. J Food Prot 2014; 77:765-71. [PMID: 24780331 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-13-382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of Listeria monocytogenes to previously uncontaminated product during mechanical dicing of celery and its growth during storage at various temperatures were evaluated. In each of three trials, 275 g of retail celery stalks was immersed in an aqueous five-strain L. monocytogenes cocktail to obtain an average of 5.6 log CFU/g and then was diced using a hand-operated dicer, followed by sequential dicing of 15 identical 250-g batches of uninoculated celery using the same dicer. Each batch of diced celery was examined for numbers of Listeria initially and after 3 and 7 days of storage at 4, 7, and 10 °C. Additionally, the percentage by weight of inoculated product transferred to each of 15 batches of uninoculated celery was determined using inoculated red stems of Swiss chard as a surrogate. Listeria transfer to diced celery was also assessed after removing the Swiss chard. L. monocytogenes transferred from the initial batch of inoculated celery to all 15 batches of uninoculated celery during dicing, with populations decreasing from 5.2 to 2.0 log CFU/g on the day of processing. At 10 °C, Listeria reached an average population of 3.4 log CFU/g in all batches of uninoculated celery. Fewer batches of celery showed significant growth during storage at 4 and 7 °C (P < 0.05). Swiss chard pieces were recovered from all 15 batches of celery, with similar amounts seen in batches 2 to 15 (P > 0.05). L. monocytogenes was also recovered from each batch of uninoculated celery after the removal of Swiss chard, with populations decreasing from 4.7 to 1.7 log CFU/g. Storing the diced celery at 10 °C yielded a L. monocytogenes generation time of 0.87 days, with no significant growth observed during storage at 4 or 7 °C. Consequently, mitigation strategies during dicing and proper refrigeration are essential to minimizing potential health risks associated with diced celery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea N Kaminski
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA; Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Gordon R Davidson
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Elliot T Ryser
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.
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18
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Detection and enumeration of viable Listeria monocytogenes cells from ready-to-eat and processed vegetable foods by culture and DVC-FISH. Food Control 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Ballesteros L, Moreno Y, Cuesta G, Rodrigo A, Tomás D, Hernández M, Ferrús MA, Henández JG. Persistence of Listeria monocytogenes strains in a frozen vegetables processing plant determined by serotyping and REP-PCR. Int J Food Sci Technol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Alessandria V, Rantsiou K, Dolci P, Cocolin L. Molecular methods to assess Listeria monocytogenes route of contamination in a dairy processing plant. Int J Food Microbiol 2010; 141 Suppl 1:S156-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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21
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Meyer B, Morin V, Rödger HJ, Holah J, Bird C. Do European Standard Disinfectant tests truly simulate in-use microbial and organic soiling conditions on food preparation surfaces? J Appl Microbiol 2010; 108:1344-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04530.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Cordano AM, Jacquet C. Listeria monocytogenes isolated from vegetable salads sold at supermarkets in Santiago, Chile: prevalence and strain characterization. Int J Food Microbiol 2009; 132:176-9. [PMID: 19410317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2008] [Revised: 04/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Between 2000 and 2005, 717 samples of three types of salads were analysed for Listeria monocytogenes in Santiago, Chile in order to provide information to Chilean health authorities on the presence of the pathogen in vegetable salad samples and to ascertain the risk of these products for consumers. L. monocytogenes isolates were found in 88 out of 347 (25.4%) samples of frozen vegetable salads and in 22 out of 216 (10.2%) freshly supermarkets prepared, cooked or raw ready-to-eat vegetable salads; no Listeria was isolated from 154 samples of raw minimally processed salads industrially prepared. Enumeration of L. monocytogenes was done by plate count for 20 positive frozen samples, randomly chosen. Most of them (90%) had < 10 cfu/g. MPN technique was performed for 34 another positive samples; 12 had > or = 1100/g, five ranged between 240 and 93, eight between 23 and three and nine had < 3.0. No L. monocytogenes was recovered after cooking 12 contaminated frozen samples. Isolation of strains was done using three selective agars. Sixty-two L. monocytogenes were isolated from lithium chloride phenylethanol moxalactam agar, 95 from Listeria selective agar Oxford formulation, and 103 from polymixin acriflavine lithium chloride ceftazidime aesculin mannitol agar. Fifty isolates (45.5%) belong to PCR group IIb (including strains serovar 1/2b), 41 (37.3%) to PCR group IVb (including strains serovar 4b), 17 (15.5%) to PCR group IIa (including strains serovar 1/2a), and 2 (1.8%) to PCR group IIc. With the use of DNA macrorestriction patterns analysis, 17 different clusters were detected among 71 isolates, with P10, the most frequent with 25 isolates (35.2%) of PCR group IIb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Cordano
- Sección Microbiología de Alimentos, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Casilla 48, Santiago, Chile.
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