Key points of Listeria Prevention are the elimination and prevention of actual and potential niches for the development of Listeria monocytogenes and/or other indicator microorganisms (e.g. Listeria spp. etc.) and the assessment of the persistence of the microorganism. This is done through the use of gene analysis WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) and/or molecular analysis (Pulsotype) in the plant
The assessment of persistence is an important tool at our service since it allows us to trace the contamination, both in space and in time, and to check the effectiveness of methods of cleaning and disinfection. It also allows us to check the efficiency of the protocol of prevention of recontamination of Listeria monocytogenes carried out by the plant.
For this reason, Klareco Listeria Prevention can be applied not only in cases of confirmed presence of Listeria monocytogenes, but especially in the development and validation phases of cleaning and disinfection procedures in establishments and, more generally, in protocols for preventing contamination by environmental microorganisms.
Listeria Prevention is divided into the following operational phases:
Auditing of the production plant in order to evaluate:
- The applied protocols of cleaning and disinfection
- Company sampling plan and outcome of the results of the analytical check
- Hygiene of the flow of production and of staff
- Hygiene compliance of the structures and equipment
- Mapping of the structure
- Identification of the potential niches of Listeria, using specific tests (video inspections with UV sources, colorimetric tests of protein residue, bioluminometric tests etc)
Extensive microbiological sampling
- Identification of the real niches of Listeria monocytogenes and/or Listeria spp.
- Gene and/or molecular analysis for the definition of persistent Listeria monocytogenes
Corrective Actions
- Identification of the causes of the presence of niches and biofilm
- Development of specific actions concerning: the cleaning and disinfection protocol; sampling plan; flow hygiene; ordinary and extraordinary maintenance work
Staff Training
- Understanding the causes of non-compliance and support in applying corrective actions
Evaluation of effectiveness and maintenance