THE WISDOM OF THE QUORUM: HOW BIOFILM MICROBIOMES CAN SUPPORT OR INHIBIT LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES GROWTH IN SMALL MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES

Research ObjectivesObjective 1. Identify and describe the resident microbial community composition of biofilms across small meat processing facilities in Alabama.Objective 2. Determine the relationship between meat processing biofilm communities and Listeria monocytogenes survival.Objective 2.1. Identify specific taxa and functional attributes that support or exclude Listeria monocytogenes survival in a biofilm communityObjective 2.2. Identify the physical biofilm community structure during Listeria monocytogenes incorporation.