An Exploration of Listeria monocytogenes, Its Influence on the UK Food Industry and Future Public Health Strategies

<p> <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em> is a Gram-positive intracellular pathogen that can cause listeriosis, an invasive disease affecting pregnant women, neonates, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Principally foodborne, the pathogen is transmitted typically through contaminated foods. As a result, food manufacturers exert considerable efforts to eliminate <em>L. monocytogenes</em> from foodstuffs and the environment through food processing and disinfection. However, <em>L. monocytogenes</em> demonstrates a range of environmental stress tolerances, resulting in persistent colonies that act as reservoirs for the reintroduction of <em>L. monocytogenes</em> to food contact surfaces and food. Novel technologies for the rapid detection of <em>L. monocytogenes</em> and disinfection of food manufacturing industries have been developed to overcome these obstacles to minimise the risk of outbreaks and sporadic cases of listeriosis. This review is aimed at exploring <em>L. monocytogenes</em> in the UK, providing a summary of outbreaks, current routine microbiological testing and the increasing awareness of biocide tolerances. Recommendations for future research in the UK are made, pertaining to expanding the understanding of <em>L. monocytogenes</em> dissemination in the UK food industry and the continuation of novel technological developments for disinfection of food and the food manufacturing environment </p>