endogenous microflora in the interior tissues of the
fruits. Samish et al. (1963) stated that in healthy fruits,
the bacterial flora is assumed to be limited to the
surface, while the inner tissue remains sterile.
The results shown in Figs. 1–3 confirm the adequacy
of the fruit pulp as a substrate for L. monocytogenes
growth at different temperatures and
incubation times. Our results are supported by those
of Nguyen and Carlin (1994), who mentioned that
minimally processed fresh fruits and vegetables are
good media for growth of microorganisms.