The growth
potential (v) of L. monocytogenes at 4 C was calculated at
0.63 log CFU/g, which means that the product can support the
growth of L. monocytogenes even at low temperatures (4 C).
According to EU regulation 2073/2005 (Anonymous, 2005) the
maximal count at the end of shelf life cannot exceed 100 CFU/g and
thus a theoretical maximum tolerable concentration of maximum
10 CFU/g just after production is acceptable, taking the possible
growth of L. monocytogenes during shelf life into account. However,
this does not consider the actual storage temperature and it is
recommended to strive for absence in 25 g.