Listeria is a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The illness is rarer than other foodborne illnesses, but it is very serious, with a hospitalization rate of 94% and a mortality rate between 20%-30%.
The bacteria are common in the natural environment, appearing most commonly in soil and water. Animals can carry the bacteria without showing signs of illness and may spread the bacteria with their feces; this is a particular concern among cattle and therefore in raw beef products.
Unlike other bacteria, L. monocytogenes have the ability to survive and grow in cold temperatures, meaning that even properly refrigerated food can present problems. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration:
“The bacteria are able to live in a wide range of conditions and environments—they can tolerate both acidic and salty conditions, both high and low temperatures, and fairly low moisture content. These characteristics allow L. monocytogenes to survive a long time in a variety of food products and food processing plants. Because the bacteria can multiply and persist in food processing plants for years—even more than 10 years in one documented case—L. monocytogenes is especially hard to control and can result in intermittent contamination of food.”
It is for this reason that food production plants must take special precautions to contain the spread of Listeria. While cooking and pasteurizing food and milk generally kills Listeria, food can become contaminated in a factory after it has been cooked but before it has been packaged, and can then survive even in a refrigerated environment.
ChemStation’s Disinfecting Agents Stop the Spread of Listeria
ChemStation produces cleaning chemicals that stop the spread of persistent foodborne bacteria such as Listeria and are designed specifically for use in food production centers.
Our ChemSan Sanitizer can be used on aluminum and stainless steel food contact areas and food processing equipment. When used as directed, the product is safe and suitable for use in a USDA inspected facility as a sanitizer for all surfaces not always requiring a rinse. It can be safely used as a sanitizing solution on food-processing equipment, utensils, and other food-contact articles.
However, food processing equipment is not the only place where Listeria can be present inside a processing plant; in fact, floor drains are one of the most common places where L. monocytogenes can be found. This may not seem like a problem, but employees’ shoes, fruit flies, and even pressure washers can spread the bacteria from the floor drains to food processing areas.
To help with that, we also offer CleanSan Sanitizer, which is good for use in bathrooms, drains, and other general-purpose cleaning. It can be used as a sanitizer for all surfaces always requiring a rinse.
Get in touch with us today to find out about our foaming and non-foaming options to help you eliminate Listeria problems within your food processing plant.
