UK-Wide Microbiological Survey of Pre-Packed Ready-to-Eat Sliced Meats at Retail Sale in Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

<p>This survey aimed to determine the prevalence and levels of contamination in ready-to-eat cooked and cured sliced meats and fermented and cured meat products at retail sale in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).</p>

<p>Previous surveys of retail cold sliced meats with particular reference to L. monocytogenes have been based on market share with the majority of samples being collected from large retailers. A Health Protection Agency (now known as Public Health England) study of human listeriosis in England found that high risk groups, such as the elderly, were more likely to buy foods from smaller convenience stores than the general population therefore this survey focused on SME retailers.</p>

<p>In total, 1,046 samples were tested for L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. (detection and enumeration). Samples were also tested for the hygiene indicator organisms Escherichia coli and enterobacteriaceae (detection and enumeration), physical and chemical characteristics such as salt content, water activity and pH. The storage temperatures in the SMEs at the time of sampling were recorded, as will a range of factors such as price, retailer and store address, product type, use-by date and storage instructions. A statistical comparison with earlier studies was carried with findings summarised in a final report on completion of the survey.</p>

<p>This survey is intended to be a focused survey to determine prevalence of contamination in different ready-to-eat sliced meats to provide an indication of potential underlying risk factors associated with these products on sale in SMEs. It is not intended that this survey will investigate seasonality.</p>