Listeria spp.: contamination in fresh sausages manufacturing

Among foods of animal origin, milk and milk products are often cause of L. Monocytogenes foodborne disease. Moreover sporadic cases of listeriosis cau sed by the consumption of meat and meat products are reported too. Italian rules admit the presence of L. monocytogenes in some meat products that must be cooked before consumption. The present study has the goal to e valuate Listeria contaminations in a processing plant that produces fresh s ausage. The results show a spread, constant but low contamination of the product, p ointing out both;the necessity of testing raw meat and the opportunity to i mprove cleaning and disinfection procedures. Information and education of t he customer about food hygiene and handling is needed.