Prevalence and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in naturally contaminated cold‐smoked salmon

Aim:  To investigate Listeria monocytogenes contamination and behaviour in naturally contaminated French cold-smoked salmon (CSS). Method and Results:  Between 2001 and 2004, L. monocytogenes was detected in 104 of 1010 CSS packs, produced by nine French plants, with different prevalence (from 0% to 41%). The initial contamination, measured with a sensitive filtration method, was low (92% of contaminated products below 1 CFU g−1) and growth was limited. Conclusion:  Growth was consistent with results of a predictive model including microbial competition. Significance and Impact of the study:  To be included in a quantitative risk assessment.