The emphasis of listeria monocytogenes in raw meat

Abstract

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes has the potential to cause listeriosis which could be a serious illness in vulnerable consumers such as pregnant women, neonates, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised individuals. Serbian legislation, which is in accordance with EU legislation, requires control of L. monocytogenes only in ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Due to the persistent problem of the presence of L. monocytogenes in RTE products in one meat processing industry this pathogen was subject of a large-scale study. The study included examination of the presence of L. monocytogenes in different areas, including production environment, raw meat, as well as RTE products. In this paper, the results of L. monocytogenes presence in raw (chilled and frozen) meat are presented. Total prevalence was 8.33%: in chilled pork meat 6.25% and in frozen pork meat 11.11%. Based on our results and experience working within the food industry and supported by published reports and research work, L. monocytogenes should be part of mandatory, regular and continuous control of raw meat.