PRESENCE OF LISTERIA-MONOCYTOGENES, MOTILE AEROMONADS AND YERSINIA-ENTEROCOLITICA IN ENVIRONMENTAL-SAMPLES TAKEN FROM A SUPERMARKET DELICATESSEN

Environmental swab samples collected on three occasions from a superma rket delicatessen were examined for the presence of Listeria monocytog enes, motile aeromonads and Yersinia enterocolitica. Strains of Y. ent erocolitica belonging to a pathogenic biotype were not recovered, but isolates of L. monocytogenes and motile aeromonads were found. Contami nated surfaces and items that came into direct contact with ready-to-e at food included a slicing machine, a knife and parsley that was to be used as a garnish. Most sites sampled near a display of processed mea ts requiring cooking, such as bacon and sausages, yielded positive res ults and could therefore act as a source of cross contamination for re ady-to-eat meats.