Persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments: challenges and future directions

Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, remains one of the most serious foodborne illness in high-income countries, despite its rarity. This paper addresses the challenge of persistent L. monocytogenes in food processing environments, which leads to significant public health and economic impacts. We examine the persistence mechanisms of L. monocytogenes, focusing on natural selection due to disinfectant use, genetic drift from periodic population bottlenecks, and recolonization from non-food contact areas. Our analysis highlights the interplay of these dynamics in shaping L. monocytogenes populations, emphasizing that genetic drift plays a crucial role in persistence. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risks posed by persistent L. monocytogenes strains, thereby enhancing food safety and public health.