Occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in Counter-Sliced Turkey Meat Samples from Independent Delis in New York City

What is it about?

• Small and independent delis can be a reservoir for Listeria monocytogenes growth and cross-contamination. We used New York City’s restaurant inspection and grading system as part of the criteria to select delis and tested deli meat, counter-sliced on site, from 118 independent delis in the city. We confirmed two samples, from separate delis, as positive for L. monocytogenes; one positive sample was part of an ongoing multistate outbreak and the other matched a clinical case in a neighboring state. Our study suggests that these delis can potentially serve as sources of L. monocytogenes contamination or contribute to downstream foodborne listeriosis. Information provided by city inspection and grading systems, in addition to the letter grade, may serve as a tool to identify delis with potential L. monocytogenes contamination issues and serve as a basis for product and environmental sampling by public health authorities.

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