Open AccessThe incidence and distribution of Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat vegetables in South‐Western Nigeria
Author(s) -
Ajayeoba Titilayo A.,
Atanda Olusegun O.,
Obadina Adewale O.,
Bankole Mobolaji O.,
Adelowo Olawale O.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
food science and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2048-7177
DOI - 10.1002/fsn3.263
Subject(s) - listeria monocytogenes , lactuca , daucus carota , cucumis , biology , horticulture , solanum , incidence (geometry) , veterinary medicine , medicine , bacteria , mathematics , genetics , geometry
The study investigated the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat ( RTE ) vegetables: (Cucumber, Cucumis sativas ; Cabbage, Brassica olerecea ; Carrot, Daucus carota ; Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum ; Lettuce, Lactuca sativa ) in six states in South‐Western Nigeria. A total of 555 composite samples were collected from 30 traditional markets within the states and only 244 L. monocytogenes species were isolated by standard methods. The incidence of L. monocytogenes was low and not statistically significant per vegetable type. The percentage distribution of the L. monocytogenes isolates in the RTE vegetables was 28.28, 9.02, 23.36, 19.67, and 19.67 for Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber, Lettuce, and Tomatoes, respectively. Lagos state had the highest incidence of L. monocytogenes contamination (55%) followed by Ondo (48.89%), Oyo (48.75%), Ogun (44.09%), Osun (34.38%), and Ekiti (33.33%) states, respectively. Although the incidence of L. monocytogenes in the RTE vegetables in South‐Western Nigeria is low, its presence should be a source of concern as it could constitute a public health threat for its consumers.