Listeria can be found throughout the environment, and therefore can be found in most foods. Meat, eggs, chicken, seafood, dairy products and vegetables have all been identified as sources of Listeria outbreaks. Certain strains of the pathogen have shown the ability to survive the manufacturing and ripening processes in dairy products. The symptoms of Listeria poisoning range from a mild flu-like condition, to severe infections of the blood and brain.
Consequences vary between individuals.
Despite intensive research, the minimum infective dose remains unknown. Various countries have adopted policies concerning Listeria in foods, and are setting tolerance levels. The genus Listeria is comprised of six species, with L. monocytogenes the only one of the six that causes human illness. Results are available within 43 hours, including two sample enrichments and 20 minutes for test development. Broth - Contains 500 grams for 40 tests.