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This study investigated the occurrence, concentration and key characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in beef chain samples (n=1100) over a 2-year period (July 2007-June 2009). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from bovine hides (27%), pre-chill carcasses (14%) and ground beef (29%), but not from ready-to-eat (RTE) beef. The concentration of the pathogen in the majority (95%) of contaminated samples was low and detected by enrichment only. The highest concentrations recovered (100-200 CFU/g) were in ground beef samples. The most commonly isolated serotype group was 1/2a (58%) followed by 4b (12%), 1/2b (10%) and 1/2c (6%). A small portion (<5%) isolates had demonstrated resistance to key anti-microbials including ampicillin, vancomycin and gentamycin which are recommended treatment options for listeriosis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed indistinguishable profiles for a number of isolates recovered from the hide and carcass (after slaughter and dressing) of the same animals, highlighting the role of hides as a source of contamination. Equally, indistinguishable pulsotypes for isolates recovered at different stages and time points (up to 6 months apart) in the beef chain demonstrated the persistence of specific clones in the factory, process and distribution environments. Overall, the study demonstrated a high prevalence of clinically significant L. monocytogenes entering and progressing along the beef chain and highlights the needs to control cross-contamination during beef processing and distribution and the need for thorough cooking of raw beef products.

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