Book Description

Listeria monocytogenes is an important Gram-positive foodborne pathogen responsible for causing diseases with a high mortality rate in the elderly, pregnant women, neonates, and immunocompromised populations. L. monocytogenes is ubiquitously present in nature and has been isolated from various types of foods. It is especially a challenge in ready-to-eat (RTE) or minimally processed foods that support listerial growth. DNA-based detection and molecular subtyping methods provide important resources for tracking L. monocytogenes contamination throughout the RTE food chain. Combinations of interventions, such as testing and sanitation of food contact surfaces, control of storage temperatures and periods, and use of growth inhibitors in RTE foods that support L. monocytogenes growth are suggested to control L. monocytogenes contamination in the RTE food chain. In addition, a better understanding of the ecology and biology of L. monocytogenes, with a focus on virulence and stress response systems that facilitate transmission through diverse environments encountered by L. monocytogenes, will further facilitate the control of this important foodborne pathogen.