Abstract
Samples of 216 pâtés were examined for the presence of Listeria spp. between May and August 1989; 35% were contaminated with L. monocytogenes, 5% of samples having counts of greater than 10(4)/g. L. innocua was recovered from 2% of samples but no other species was isolated. Five serotypes of L. monocytogenes were represented (1/2, 4b, 4b(X), 4 not 4b or 4b(X), and NT), 4b was the predominant serotype and multiple serotypes were found in eight pâtés. The incidence of contamination with L. monocytogenes was greater in stored pâté (46%) than display pâté (30%). Sampling over a 21-day period showed an apparent increase in numbers of L. monocytogenes in 6 of 7 samples with multiple serotypes represented. There was no correlation between contamination of pâté by L. monocytogenes and the presence of coliforms. Comparisons are made between the contamination of soft cheese and pâté.