Human infection linked to the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes
can cause a severe disease, listeriosis, that is characterized
by complications such as bacteremia and meningitis (Roberts
and Wiedmann, 2003). Although the incidence of listeriosis is low,
when compared with other bacterial infections, the severe form
has a high associated mortality rate (Scallan et al., 2011). Foodborne
transmission is the primary route of human infection, and
as such food business operators (FBOs) must exercise due care to
ensure their food is produced free of this bacterium, or within
acceptable limits where appropriate (Warriner and Namvar, 2009;
EU, 2005). There are many aspects to an effective L. monocytogenes
control strategy at a food production facility, such as good work-
flows, effective use of sanitizers, microbial quality of incoming
ingredients, and a subsequent failure in any one of these can
undermine the integrity of the safety program, and compromise