Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium present in food that can cause a disease called listeriosis.
The food industry is increasingly concerned about the control of food safety. Listeria monocytogenes as this bacterium has the characteristic that it can continue to grow at refrigeration temperatures. This quality makes the mechanism of transmission and the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in food is difficult to control.
The ready-to-eat foods are the cause of most foodborne outbreaks with this bacterium. Examples of foods that can cause listeriosis include:
- Meat preparations. Cooked cold meats, raw cured sausages.
- Dairy preparations. Fresh cheese, soft cheese made from raw milk.
- Pre-prepared convenience foods: Peeled and/or cut fruits and vegetables.
- Non-heat-treated fish. Smoked, raw fish, shellfish.
- Especially fresh sauces.
How to eliminate Listeria in food
The best way to avoid Listeria contamination in food will be prevention and control of raw materials and avoid cross-contamination in ready-to-eat foods.
Listeria monocytogenes can be naturally present in raw materials such as raw meat, raw fish, raw milk, fruits or vegetables. During the handling of these raw materials, these bacteria will be eliminated by different methods such as heat treatment, disinfection, lowering the water activity of the food or pH control.
The food industry is increasingly committed to the control of Listeria to prevent outbreaks of listeriosis, incorporating specific control plans.
The addition of natural products for Listeria control is a good tool to increase the quality and safety standards of your products.
There are scientific studies that demonstrate the efficacy in controlling the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in different foods through the addition of citrus extracts rich in flovonoids.
At Domca we have been studying and creating solutions for the control of Listeria in all types of food for many years.
