What is Listeria monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes, also known as Listeria, is a bacteria found everywhere in nature. It is found in animals, vegetables, soil and also in water [1]. This bacteria can cause the rare infectious disease: listeriosis. Although listeriosis is rare, the infection can have fatal consequences, especially in vulnerable populations [2]. Therefore, a properly effective disinfectant is essential.

Combat Listeria in the food industry

One of the main reasons why Listeria infections are rare is the strict control of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Should they find traces of harmful bacteria such as Listeria, they have the manufacturer recall all products. Besides the direct financial damage, this may also damage the company's image.

To combat bacteria such as Listeria, food processors often use disinfectants with harmful chemicals in their process water. This water is used, for example, to wash the products. As the crops are sometimes eaten directly from the packaging, the products must be clean and safe for consumption. So this means that the process water too should not contain any disease-causing agents, harmful substances or residues. Given that the process water can come into direct contact with the product, contamination is quite possible.

Germ-free process water increases food safety and shelf life

Food processors must be vigilant about Listeria, as well as Salmonella, E. coli, other harmful bacteria, and even molds and yeasts. These microorganisms can multiply and spread via process water, leading to contamination and endangering food safety [3]. Thus, keeping process water clean is crucial, but it can be quite challenging. The problem is that most disinfectants are harmful to both humans and the environment. Moreover, these products can be expensive and difficult to dose correctly.

Continuous dosing with the Watter-system

Watter offers a user-friendly and sustainable solution. With the Watter system, food producers and processors can make their own disinfectant. This disinfectant is effective, biodegradable, and leaves minimal residue. The Watter system uses electricity, salt, and water to produce a disinfectant containing the active ingredient HOCl. Due to its broad-spectrum efficacy, the solution can be dosed in very low concentrations in process water. HOCl is more effective against microorganisms than sodium hypochlorite at the same dosage.

Watter is safe to use for disinfecting process water, ensuring that bacteria like Listeria no longer have a chance. Watter has been thoroughly tested by organizations such as TNO and Eurofins, and we can confidently state that we have achieved 100% results with all our clients in the food industry.

Test Watter in your process to prevent Listeria contamination

Watter can do a lot for you in terms of quality but also safety. It brings certainty, peace of mind and reduces the costs you would normally spend on chemical disinfection. In addition, it can also provide an extended shelf life date on your products. So are you ready to give your products an extended shelf life?

Consequences of Listeria for Humans and Animals

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is most commonly found in animal-based foods. The products most frequently associated with Listeria are sliced deli meats, smoked fish, and softer mold-ripened cheeses [1]. Other examples include meat products and ready-to-eat raw vegetable products or refrigerated sandwiches, all of which can cause infections in humans. This is mainly because these foods are consumed without heating. The bacteria survive and multiply especially in moist environments. While most other bacteria stop growing at refrigerator temperatures around four degrees Celsius, Listeria does not [2].

Symptoms of Listeriosis

An infection with Listeria monocytogenes does not always result in immediate illness. Healthy people may not experience any symptoms or may only have mild flu-like symptoms. However, those who belong to one of the risk groups (pregnant women, newborn babies, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems) are at risk of severe illness. Listeria monocytogenes can cause blood poisoning, inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, gastrointestinal infections, eye and skin inflammations, and even meningitis. For pregnant women, there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth, so for them, preventing Listeria infection is much better than trying to cure it [2]. Certain high-risk foods are therefore advised against for pregnant women.

References:

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17721-listeriosis

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6983307/

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