Issues of Listeria contamination were again highlighted with the recent publication of results from a survey conducted by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland (FSAS)*. These results suggest that certain stages in smoked fish processing plants appear to be more vulnerable than others to persistent colonisation by Listeria monocytogenes. The data collated from the published survey suggest that drains, skinning machines, brine injection units and fish slicers appear most susceptible to contamination.

Lab M provides a wide range of microbiological media for the enrichment and isolation of Listeria species. The company's extensive portfolio enables laboratories to accommodate different testing protocols and purchase from a single supplier.

Compliant with the ISO 11290 standard for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes, the range includes Half Fraser BrothPLUS (ISO) and Fraser BrothPLUS (ISO), which give improved results over traditional formulations. Harlequin™ Listeria Chromogenic Agar (ISO) uses a novel chromogen to distinguish L.monocytogenes from other Listeria species. Secondary isolation media are also available, including Listeria Isolation Medium Oxford (ISO) and Palcam Agar.

For complete details of all Lab M media and supplements visit www.labm.com.

*Reference: www.food.gov.uk(accessed 7 Sep 2012)