Adhesion of Listeria monocytogenes to cutting board surfaces and removal by different sanitizers

The objective of this study was to investigate Listeria monocytogenes adhesion in new and used polyethylene cutting board surfaces and evaluate its removal using different sanitizers (peracetic acid, chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite and organic acids). Results showed that the number of adhered cells increased with time on both surfaces evaluated. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between new and used polyethylene surfaces were observed on the adhesion of microorganism. Treatments with the peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite sanitizers were very effective to inactivate attached L. monocytogenes on the polyethylene cutting board, avoiding the possible formation of biofilms at all contact times studied. Other sanitizers did not succeed in inhibiting completely the pathogen in the maximum concentration (2.0 %) after 24 h of bacterial growth for both surfaces (chlorohexidine), 3 h of bacterial growth on new and 6 h on used surfaces (organic acid). The results indicate that peracetic acid and a sodium hypochlorite treatment present a better method to remove microbial contamination on the surfaces of cutting boards.