The amount of L. monocytogenes detected in contaminated food
samples varies considerably; enrichment methods are used to
enable L. monocytogenes to grow to detectable levels. Enrichment
broths incorporating selective agents such as nalidixic acid and
acriflavin to inhibit background flora are used to isolate
L. monocytogenes from contaminated foods. L. monocytogenes
identification methods include culturing, biochemical tests and
immunological assays [5]. These procedures are often timeconsuming
as sufficient bacterial growth is required for identifi-
cation purposes. A rapid, high throughput method for the analysis
of food samples that is able to detect L. monocytogenes
contaminated foods would be highly desirable.