Listeria monocytogenes

Does the name scare you?

It should! This bacteria can prove fatal if consumed.

It loves wet places in your manufacturing facility. It loves places that are hard to clean.

It LOVES to grow in DRAINS and cracks in floors.

There was some recent research conducted at Kansas State University on growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The work was done to show the effect of high pressure cleaning of drains that were growing listeria.

The high pressure atomized the bacteria and splattered them on walls and equipment up to 5 meters from the floor level. Samples were taken at different heights up to 5 meters. Although there were less at the higher levels, listeria was still present.

Additionally the research showed that the bacteria continued to grow even after 48 hours at all levels tested.

What does this mean to me if I operate a food manufacturing plant? First, never use high pressure to clean drains. If you find listeria in these areas use a brush designated for drains and the appropriate cleaning chemical to kill the bacteria.

When working on drains or floors protect areas where open product is handled and packaged.

Remember 5 meters is higher than normal conveyors that transport food. That means bacteria can be launched onto conveyors and packaging areas.

When doing any maintenance on room expansions, remodeling, etc. assume that you are exposing listeria colonies that were waiting for a chance to grow. Protect production areas and protect the product, your customers and your business.

Take food safety seriously.
Rudy
rudy@powerinlearning.com