The association of L. monocytogenes with RTE meats containing high concentrations of lactate þ acetate could be due to postprocessing contamination of RTE meats with L. monocytogenes or
other GMP issues. The relatively limited Listeria controlmeasures at retail may increase the likelihood of introducing the pathogen into some foods at retail and food service establishments compared to food processed in federal- or state-inspected facilities. Although approximately 50% of the samples in this study were pre-packaged products and 50% were sliced in the deli section of the grocery stores, most of the L. monocytogenes-positive samples (89%) were from the deli. Some samples with high levels of lactate (2.3%) or