Progress in Cross-Contamination Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes Biofilm

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a food-borne pathogen causing listeriosis, a sickness with high hospitalization rate and high mortality rate, and it can adhere to food contact surfaces under various adverse conditions such as cold, heat, dryness and disinfectant to form biofilms that are hard to remove. Cross-contamination is the major transmission route of L. monocytogenes, and biofilm formation increases the possibility of persistent transmission and contamination of L. monocytogenes in factory and kitchen environments, which may lead to the outbreak of food-borne diseases and food recalls, causing health and economic loss. In this article, the extracellular polymeric components of L. monocytogenes biofilms are introduced, and the internal and external factors affecting the cross-contamination and transfer of L. monocytogenes biofilms are summarized. A particular focus is placed on the recent progress in research on L. monocytogenes cross-contamination from the perspectives of research type and bacterial collection. In addition, we summarizes the prevention and control strategies for L. monocytogenes in the early stage of biofilm formation. Finally, the future prospects of this research field are proposed. We hope that this review could provide a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation and accurate early prevention and control of the potential risk of L. monocytogenes biofilm cross-contamination.