Seasonal effect on L. monocytogenes prevalence in meat and dairy products assessed by VIDAS LMO2 and ISO 11290:1 methods

Abstract

In the present work, the seasonal distribution of L. monocytogenes in frequently consumed foods in the Aksaray region, an important transition point, was investigated by cultural and automated methods (ISO 11290 and VIDAS LMO2). For this purpose, a total of 800 food samples (100 samples of each white, kashar, cream, and Tulum cheeses, and beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey meats) were analysed. Listeria spp. were detected in 64 (8%) samples, and 177 suspected Listeria colonies were isolated. Of the 177 suspected colonies, 71 were identified as L. monocytogenes by the ISO 11290 and VIDAS LMO2 methods. The pathogen was detected from samples purchased during winter, spring, summer, and autumn at the rates of 3.7, 3, 26, and 3.6%, respectively; the highest isolation rate was found in summer, while the lowest isolation rate found in spring. Although the contamination of L. monocytogenes was found at the highest rate in summer, it has been revealed that there was a risk of listeriosis, which was not low, throughout the entire year. We believe that compliance with standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, or GMP will be crucial in reducing the risk of listeriosis.