The occurrence ofListeriaspecies in pâté: the Cardiff experience 1989

Abstract

SUMMARYSamples of 216 pâatés were examined for the presence ofListeriaspp. Between May and August 1989; 35% were contaminated withL. monocytogenes, 5% of samples having counts of > 104/g.L. innocuawas recovered from 2% of samples but no other species was isolated. Five serotypes ofL. monocytogeneswere represented (1/2, 4b, 4b(X), 4 not 4b or 4b(X), and NT). 4b was the predominant serotype and multiple serotypes were found in eight pâatés. The incidence of contamination withL. monocytogeneswas greater in stored pâté (46%) than display pâté (30%). Sampling over a 21-day period showed an apparent increase in numbers ofL. monocytogenesin 6 of 7 samples with multiple serotypes represented. There was no correlation between contamination of pâté byL.monocytogenesand the presence of coliforms. Comparisons are made between the contamination of soft cheese and pˇaté.