H. W. Ockerman1 and L. Basu
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
The fact that Listeria monocytogenes can grow at refrigerated temperatures, which is often the technique that the meat industry uses to control pathogens, makes this microorganism a special problem for meat processors. Since this pathogen can be deadly and can cause abortions, it is receiving a lot of attention from a food-safety standpoint. Fortunately, non-pregnant healthy adults are fairly resistant. Also pasteurization and chemical additives are fairly effective at protection but a rapid analytical technique for identification would be extremely helpful in combating this troublemaker for meat products.
1 For more information, contact at: The Ohio State University, 15 Animal Science Building, 2029 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-4317, Fax 614-292-2929, e-mail: ockerman.2@osu.edu