The aim of this project was three fold. The most important aim was to get a better understanding of how L. monocytogenes enters vegetable farms. This information is important if vegetable growers are to minimise risks at on farm level. The other two aims of this project were to understand what is the best type of test that growers need to specify for the testing of produce and to develop information for the grower to use when dealing with L. monocytogenes. This project is designed to gather information to aid in the management of food safety in leafy vegetable farms in Australia.

L. mocytogenes is one of the bacteria that must be tested for to gain market entry with supermarkets and fresh cut processors in Australia. L. monocytogenes has been detected widely in Australian leafy vegetables in the past and rejections of produce associated with its detection have occurred on numerous occasions. Herb and vegetable growers have lost income as a result of these rejections or supply being placed on hold by customers until testing shows that all is clear.

This project:

• examined how L. monocytogenes is tested for and looked at the value of a rapid testing method
• carried out testing on produce both in Victoria and Queensland in summer and in winter over a period of two years
• carried out testing on environmental samples including water, sheep manure, cow manure, chicken manure, marsupial manure and decomposing plant matter to try and identify reservoirs of L. monocytogenes in the environment
• produced a guide for vegetable and herb growers to use when dealing with L. monocytogenes at on farm level
• extended the knowledge of L. monocytogenes so that more work can now be done to decrease this problem for growers
• extended information to industry on practices to better manage L. monocytogenes contamination issues