Sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes to irradiation on poultry meat and in phosphate-buffered saline

The sensitivity of four strains of Listeria monocytogenes to irradiation on poultry meat and in phosphate-buffered saline was investigated. The D₁₀ values on poultry meat were 0.417–0.553 kGy depending on strain and plating medium used. Lower values were obtained in phosphate-buffered saline. Generally tryptone soya yeast extract and McBride agars gave a better recovery (higher D₁₀ value) than listeria selective agar. The D₁₀ values for L. monocytogenes were similar to those reported for Salmonella spp. irradiated under similar conditions. Therefore irradiation doses suggested to eliminate salmonellas from poultry carcasses would also be sufficient to remove L. monocytogenes.