INVESTIGATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN BRANDED AND NON-BRANDED SAUSAGE CONSUMED IN KONYA PROVINCE

Abstract

Twentyfour branded and non-branded 24 sausage specimens were examined for presence of Listeria spp. Listeria isolation were performed in two enrichment periods, according to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved method as described by Lovett and Hitchins. After 48-hours enrichment period, one Listeria monocytogenes (4.16%), two Listeria innocua (8.33%) proliferated in branded sausages, and there were two L.monocytogenes (8.33%), four L.innocua (16.66%) in non-branded sausages (total 9, 18.75%). There were difference in Listeria numbers between in branded and in non-branded sausages (p>0.05). We may conclude that sausages are not contaminated with L. monocytogenes with a potential to create infection.