Effective control of the persistent foodborne pathogen Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that occurs mainly in raw foods and on products that have been stored in the refrigerator for a long time. It is a foodborne pathogen that can survive, or even grow well, in foods and in the production environment. In addition, this bacterium is relatively heat-resistant. Often the pathogen enters the production environment via raw materials and can hide there for years, occasionally contaminating food. Controlling this pathogen is therefore a challenge for the food processing industry.
Increase in Listeria infections
Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing trend in listeria infections in the EU. This rise can be partly explained by the aging population, a growing proportion of which has a weakened immune system. In addition, ready-to-eat products (RTE) are popular in today’s society and do not need to be heated by the consumer before eating or drinking. All the more reason for food-processing companies to take thorough measures and, of course, to comply with legal requirements!
Preventing, detecting and combating Listeria
Because Listeria monocytogenes naturally occurs on raw materials and is a typical environmental pathogen, a multi-pronged approach to control and management in your food business is required. Essential preventive measures are needed, as are environmental controls to inspect and trace potential points of contamination. Furthermore, it is also very important to determine whether strains are persistent or occasional contaminations so that you can take the appropriate actions.
Ensure the quality and safety of your food
The prevention, detection and control of Listeria is an important and indispensable task that ensures the quality and safety of your food. Thanks to our many years of experience, the GBA Group understands this like no other. The high demands of legislators and consumers are at the heart of the GBA service portfolio and are part of our extensive range of microbiological analyses. In addition to all conventional detection methods, we also employ modern microbiological techniques that reflect the latest findings and the current state of the art.