ComBase models are valid for predicting fate of Listeria monocytogenes on ten whole intact raw fruits and vegetables

What is it about?

L. monocytogenes is associated with fresh produce recalls and outbreaks. Berries (blackberry, raspberry and blueberry), citrus (lemon and mandarin orange), stone fruit (sweet cherry), solanaceous (tomato), brassica (cauliflower and broccoli) and apiaceae (carrot) were inoculated with Listeria and held at 2, 12, 22, 30 and 35 °C. Growth and decline rates were estimated and compared to ComBase model predictions. Almost every experiment showed initial growth, followed by subsequent decline. L. monocytogenes was able to grow on whole intact surface of all produce except for carrot. When L. monocytogenes growth occurred, it was generally conservatively modeled by ComBase, and growth was generally followed by decreases in concentration. This research will assist in managing the risks of foodborne disease outbreaks and recalls associated with L. monocytogenes on fresh whole produce.

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