Document Type
Article
Abstract
Controlling Listeria monocytogenes and its associated biofilms in the food industry requires various disinfection techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Biocides, owing to their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, dissolvability in water, and efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, are frequently selected options. Nonetheless, concerns have been raised about their efficacy in controlling L. monocytogenes biofilm, as laboratory-based and commercial studies have reported the persistence of this bacterium after cleaning and disinfection. This review systematically examined scientific studies, sourced from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases between January 2010 and May 2024, that investigated the effectiveness of the most commonly used biocides in the food industry against L. monocytogenes biofilms. A total of 92 articles which met the screening criteria, were included, with studies utilizing biocides containing sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, and peroxyacetic acid being predominant. Studies indicated that several key factors may potentially influence biocides' efficacy against L. monocytogenes biofilms. These factors included strain type (persistent, sporadic), serotype, strain origin (clinical, environmental, or food), surface type (biotic or abiotic), surface material (stainless steel, polystyrene, etc.), incubation time (biofilm age) and temperature, presence of organic matter, biocide's active agent, and the co-culture of L. monocytogenes with other bacteria. The induction of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state following disinfection is also a critical concern. This review aims to provide a global understanding of how L. monocytogenes biofilms respond to biocides under different treatment conditions, facilitating the development of effective cleaning and disinfection strategies in the food industry.
DOI
10.1111/1541-4337.70083
Recommended Citation
Arthur, M., Afari, E. L., Alexa, E., Zhu, M., Gaffney, M. T., Celayeta, J. M. F., & Burgess, C. M. (2025). Recent advances in examining the factors influencing the efficacy of biocides against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in the food industry: A systematic review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 24(1), Article e70083. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70083
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Publication Details
https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70083