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Distribution ofListeria spp., andListeria monocytogenesin micro- and small-scale meat product processing plants

Sandra M Rincón-Gamboa1,2, Raúl A Poutou-Piñales2, Ana K Carrascal-Camacho1

  • 1Laboratorio de Microbiología de Alimentos. Grupo de Biotecnología Ambiental e Industrial (GBAI). Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C. 110-23, Colombia.

Heliyon
|April 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes, a cause of foodborne illness, was found in Colombian meat processing plants. Persistent contamination and packaging area presence highlight the need for enhanced control measures in small and micro-enterprises.

Area of Science:

  • Food safety and microbiology
  • Foodborne pathogens
  • Microbial contamination in food processing

Background:

  • Listeriosis, a serious foodborne disease, is caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Contamination of meat products poses a significant public health risk.
  • Understanding Listeria distribution in small-scale food production is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence and distribution of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To identify contamination sources and patterns in Colombian meat derivative processing plants.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current control measures in small and micro-enterprises.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling across four Colombian meat processing plants (two small, two micro) between 2019-2020.
  • Isolation and identification using conventional microbiology and automated systems.
  • Molecular serotyping and clonal characterization via ERIC-PCR for Listeria species.

Main Results:

  • Listeria monocytogenes frequency ranged from 5.9% to 28.6% across plants.
  • Listeria spp. were isolated from plants A and D, with plant A showing the highest proportion.
  • Geno-serotype 4b was the most frequent Listeria monocytogenes type; persistent isolates were noted in plant C.

Conclusions:

  • Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. were detected in packaging areas of three plants, indicating a risk of post-processing contamination.
  • Failures in process flow, raw material control, cooking standardization, and equipment hygiene contribute to contamination.
  • Increased monitoring and technical support are essential for Listeria monocytogenes control in small and micro-scale food production.
Keywords:
Environmental pathogen monitoringListeria monocytogenesListeria sppMeat productsReady-to-eat food

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