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Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán

1999, Number 1

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Rev Biomed 1999; 10 (1)

Presence of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh salad vegetables.

Monge R, Arias-Echandi ML

Language: English
References: 9
Page: 29-31
PDF size: 20.49 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction. An increase in the consumption of fresh vegetables for a healthy diet has ocurred during the last few years, but it mustn’t be forgotten that they can carry pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes Material and methods. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in 50 salad samples according to the methodology described by Vanderzant & Splittstoesser. Results. Listeria spp. was isolated from 32% (16/50) of the samples analyzed, from these, 8% (10/16) were L. monocytogenes, 8% (4/16) a L. welshimeri and 4% (2/16) L. murrai. Discussion The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh salad vegetables represents a potential risk to public health, since its infective dose has not been established yet and its ability to survive and grow in raw vegetables has been demonstrated. Dietary changes should be promoted in groups where this bacteria represents a risk. presence of L. monocytogenes in fresh salad vegetables sold in the metropolitan area of San José, Costa Rica.


REFERENCES

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  3. 3.- Beuchat L, Berrang H, Brackett R. Presence and public health implications of Listeria monocytogenes on vegetables In: Miller, AJ, Smith L, Somkusti G, (editores). Foodborne listeriosis. New York: Elsevier Science; 1990. p. 175-81.

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  5. 5.- Vanderzant C, Splittstoesser D. Compendium of methods for the microbiological examination of foods. Washington: APHA; 1992. p. 317.

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