Listeria monocytogenes isolated from the smoked salmon industry: Growth potential under different environmental conditions

Forty isolates of Listeria monocytogenes were obtained from smoked salmon and production environment in a processing plant. Molecular characterisation evidenced the presence of biotypes corresponding to differences in technological conditions, particularly in salting. The growth behaviour of eight selected strains was evaluated in two media (BHI and Salmon Broth) at different temperatures and salt concentrations. In sub-optimal conditions, the physiological biodiversity of the strains was enhanced, especially in Salmon Broth, underlying the crucial importance of the medium in the evaluation of growth potential.