Prevalence of <i>Listeria</i> Species on Food Contact Surfaces in Washington State Apple Packinghouses

Abstract

Since 2014, fresh apples have been linked to outbreaks and recalls associated with postharvest cross-contamination with the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes . These situations drive both public health burden and economic loss and underscore the need for continued scrutiny of packinghouse management to eliminate potential Listeria spp. niches.