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 supermarket delicatessen were examined for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, motile aeromonads and Yersinia enterocolitica. Strains of Y. enterocolitica belonging to a pathogenic biotype were not recovered, but isolates of L. monocytogenes and motile aeromonads were found. Contaminated surfaces and items that came into direct contact with ready-to-eat 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 meats requiring cooking, such as bacon and sausages, yielded positive results and could therefore act as a source of cross contamination for ready-to-eat meats.