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09.06.2025 - Foods

09/06/2025 - Listeria: Importance for Food Safety and Current Developments

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the relevant pathogens for foodborne infections. In recent years, Germany has experienced several high-profile outbreaks associated with processed meat products, among other things. In certain cases, these incidents resulted in not only health but also economic consequences for the affected companies, including insolvencies.

These incidents have led to the official food monitoring authorities, particularly in federal states like Bavaria and Hesse, expanding and intensifying their control activities. State investigation offices are now well-equipped technologically and work closely with epidemiological specialists. Political pressure to minimize risk has also increased, often resulting in public product recalls in practice.

At the same time, scientific research in the area of Listeria monitoring has made significant advancements. Among other developments, models have been created to simulate biofilm formation in production environments, allowing for a better understanding of the survival strategies of these bacteria.

For customers of the BAV Institute, modern molecular biological rapid detection methods are available, which have been specifically developed and validated. These enable the swift identification of Listeria monocytogenes in food or production areas when necessary.

Note for our customers:
In the event of microbiological findings or suspicions, we are available to provide advice and support. If desired, we also coordinate necessary steps in dialogue with the relevant authorities together with you.

Further information and specialist articles on the subject of Listeria can be found on our website:

For individual inquiries, please feel free to contact our customer service. We are here to support you at any time.
 

 Sources: 

• www.bav-institut.de
• www.bayerische-staatszeitung.de
• www.hessen.de
• Romeo M, Lasagabaster A, Lavilla M, Amárita F. Genetic Diversity, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Meat-Processing Plants. Foods. 2025 Apr 30;14(9):1580. doi: 10.3390/foods14091580. PMID: 40361662; PMCID: PMC12071657.