Listeria monocytogenes persistence and transfer to cantaloupes in the packing environment is affected by surface type and cleanliness

摘要: Abstract Investigation of the 2011 U.S. listeriosis outbreak associated with consumption contaminated cantaloupes ( Cucumis melo L ) revealed that transfer Listeria monocytogenes from equipment surfaces to melons in packing facility was a potential route contamination. The study presented here examined L. monocytogenes attachment and persistence on soiled materials different types surfaces, simulated-packing environment. Attachment involved exposure roller conveyors (polyvinyl chloride), conveyor belts chloride, polyurethane, nitrile rubber), brush filaments (nylon polyethylene) ca. 7 log 10  CFU/mL multi-strain inoculum for 60 min. showed similar p  >  0.05 all populations attached following 10 min were not significantly after Clean nylon-brush filaments, belts, foam pads each inoculated mixture (4.5  CFU/mL) subsequently stored at 25 °C, recovered up 15 days. clean decreased 4.5  CFU/surface day 0 detection limit by 14; still present enrichment 21. However, remained unchanged 0–14. Multivariate ANOVA promoted compared surfaces. Comparison brushes belt materials. Conveyor spot-inoculated (2.5  CFU/surface), consecutive wet manually rolled over spot (n = 6 replicates), tested presence/absence . Foam found contaminate more than rubber). Soiled supported survival higher , surface type affected contamination transferred specific melons.