Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and the other Listeria spp. in cakes in Croatia

Cake samples were collected at hotels, restaurants and pastry shops through I year. The tests were performed on total of 283 samples. In 18 samples, i.e. 6.36% Listeria spp. was isolated. In particular, Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in 12 samples (4.27%) while L. innocua was isolated in six samples (2.15%). The isolated strains of L. monocytogenes were determined as: 1/2a, 1/2b, 3b and 4b and those of L. innocua were determined as 6a and 6b. The samples contained from 10 x 10(6) to 10 x 10(7) cfu/g. Most of the positive results were obtained from the samples of cakes prepared at hotels (13, i.e. 72.22%) as compared to other facilities included in the testing. In respect of the isolated strains and the established level of contamination, the results have confirmed a high level of potential risk posed by tested samples. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.