Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms in the Food Industry: Is the Current Hygiene Program Sufficient to Combat the Persistence of the Pathogen? Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
The review examined the persistence and control of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in the food industry. It evaluated current cleaning and disinfection methods used in food processing environments to combat the pathogen’s resistance and persistence, particularly focusing on biofilm formation in various food sectors like dairy, meat, fish, and ready-to-eat products.
Who was reviewed?
The review focuses on Listeria monocytogenes, a widespread foodborne pathogen, and its behavior in the food industry. It reviewed studies involving biofilm formation on industrial surfaces, the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection methods, and the pathogen’s persistence in food processing environments.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlighted that biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes significantly contributes to its persistence in food processing environments. Biofilms are highly resistant to conventional sanitizing agents, which makes the pathogen difficult to eliminate from surfaces. The review discussed how biofilms form on various materials such as stainless steel, polystyrene, and rubber, and how these surfaces can become sources of contamination. Furthermore, it was noted that the pathogen’s resistance is due to its extracellular matrix (ECM), which protects it from environmental stresses and antimicrobial agents. While cleaning and disinfection are critical, their effectiveness varies, with more resistant biofilms being harder to treat. The review also emphasized the importance of developing alternative strategies, such as bacteriophages, essential oils, and enzymes, to enhance biofilm control in food production.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The review underscores the urgent need for improved cleaning and disinfection protocols in the food industry to manage Listeria monocytogenes biofilms more effectively. It highlights that current methods are often insufficient due to biofilm resistance, leading to persistent contamination risks. The review also suggests that the food industry must adopt a more comprehensive approach, combining traditional cleaning with innovative solutions like bacteriophages and enzymes. These advancements could significantly reduce contamination risks, improve food safety, and prevent outbreaks of listeriosis, especially in high-risk sectors such as dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat foods.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen capable of surviving in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes has the unique ability to evade the immune system by moving directly from cell to cell within the host. This intracellular lifestyle allows the bacterium to avoid extracellular immune detection, contributing to its ability to cause invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised.