Enrichment in a nonselective medium, Bufered Peptone Water (BPW) was compared with selective enrichment in University of Vermont Medium (UVMI and UVMII) for the isolation of Listeria spp. ffom foods. The selectivity of the 2 types of media for the pathogenic strain, Listeria monocytogenes, was also compared. In total, 22 I food samples including beef burgers, ham, turkey, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, coleslaw, salads, fish, and ice cream, were purchased ffom local retail outlets and examined for the presence of Listeria species and L. monocytogenes using both enrichment media. Listeria species were detected in 57 (25.8%) samples using UVM, and 56 (25.3%) using BPW. L. monocytogenes was present in 33(I 4.9%) samples enriched in UVM and in 29(I 3. I %) samples enriched in BP W. The advantages and disadvantages of selective and nonselective enrichment for detection of Listeria speciesfiom a range offoods are discussed.