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Title: Self-contained chlorine dioxide generation and delivery pods for controlling Listeria monocytogenes in model floor drains.

Author
item Berrang, Mark
item HARRSION, MARK - University Of Georgia
item Meinersmann, Richard - Rick
item Gamble, Gary

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/2016
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that has been associated with poultry products. This organism is ubiquitous in nature and has been found to enter poultry further processing plants on incoming raw product. Once in the plant, L. monocytogenes can become a long term persistent colonizer especially of floor drains. Floor drains are a concern because escape of Listeria and potential for contamination of product and product contact surfaces has been documented. The objective of this study was to test a self-contained chlorine dioxide generating and application device for killing both free-swimming and attached L. monocytogenes in a model floor drain system. Model drain pipes were constructed from PVC pipe and inoculated with L. monocytogenes to establish attached cells on the inner surface. Pipes were treated with placement of a pod at the top open end. Each pod contained two chemical precursors which, when combined, react to form gaseous ClO2. Once activated, pipes were exposed to the treatment for 4 or 24 h. A four hour treatment resulted in a decrease of more than 5 log CFU/mL free swimming L. monocytogenes and more than 2 log CFU attached cells. A 24 h treatment was significantly more effective. Commercially available, self-contained ClO2 generating and delivery pods have potential as a means to sanitize floor drains to help control L. monocytogenes in poultry further processing plants.