In the fall of 1999, three cases of listeriosis were reported in a Minnesota county and another three were found in a neighboring Wisconsin county. Initially, hot dogs produced in New York City were suspected of causing these illnesses. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the deli department of a local grocery store chain had environmental contamination with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Positive results for this organism came from swabs taken of the floor drain under the deli case, the deli case itself, and the door (track) of the deli case. Three meat products that had been opened and sliced also were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The deli department was closed to the public by state regulators while sanitation methods were applied. Unopened packages of the meats were tested and found to be negative for the pathogen, which further confirmed that the source of the pathogen was the deli department.
Learning Objectives: Recognize that foodborne illness can come from environmental contamination of product and learn to investigate all possible sources of a foodborne illness outbreak
Keywords: Food Safety, Environmental Exposures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.