Contamination of some vacuum-packaged meat products with Listeria monocytogenes

In this Study, the contamination of vacuum-packaged processed meat products by L. monocytogenes was investigated in the samples collected from retail markets in Van, Turkey. Of the 100 samples studied, 44 (44%) were positive for Listeria spp., while 14 samples (14%) of Listeria spp. isolates were identified to be contaminated by L. monocytogenes. Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected in 60% and 20% of Turkish fermented sausage samples, 48% mid 12% of sausage samples, 40% and 16% of salami samples, and 28% and 8% of pastirma samples, respectively. Because of high level of L. monocytogenes incidence in examined vacuum-packaged meat products, it is essential to make Sure that all necessary sanitary requirements be met to avoid any contamination. It is concluded that inadequte cooking practices or raw consumption of these contaminated products may cause potential risks for public health.