Transfer of Listeria monocytogenes between abiotic surfaces under different weights

Abstract

Cross contamination of Listeria monocytogenes from two different surfaces (plastic wrappers and stainless steel coupons) was simulated using a series of different weights. Enumeration of transfer was based on surface bacterial counts of biofilm stained surfaces. Direct contact between 2 surfaces has a constant rate of transfer that is independent of the pressure applied. This is the first report on the study of cross contamination between surfaces using pressure to illustrate transfer of bacteria in a food processing line.