Wet steam method for reducing attached cells of and on Hass avocado.

The consumption of avocados and their products has been linked to outbreaks of illness caused by and . These pathogens have been isolated from avocados collected from farms and markets. After contact with the avocado epicarp, the cells of and can become loosely attached (LA) by suspension in a film of water and attraction by electrostatic forces, or strongly attached (SA) by physical and irreversible attachment mechanisms.

Attachment and Survival of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) as Affected by Relative Humidity, Temperature, and Storage Time.

Abstract: Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are one of the most commonly consumed fruits worldwide. The fruit can become contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes at various stages of the production and supply chain, and these pathogens may survive under various storage conditions. The effects of relative humidity, temperature, and duration of storage on the attachment and survival of both pathogens on the surface of tomatoes were investigated.

Conditions of In Vitro Biofilm Formation by Serogroups of Isolated from Hass Avocados Sold at Markets in Mexico.

is an important pathogen that has been implicated in foodborne illnesses and the recall of products such as fruit and vegetables. This study determines the prevalence of virulence-associated genes and serogroups and evaluates the effects of different growth media and environmental conditions on biofilm formation by . Eighteen isolates from Hass avocados sold at markets in Guadalajara, Mexico, were characterized by virulence-associated genes and serogroup detection with PCR.

and Indicator Microorganisms on Hass Avocados Sold at Retail Markets in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Hass avocados may become contaminated with and at the farm and the packing facility or later during transportation and at retail. In Mexico, avocados are frequently sold in bulk at retail markets, where they are stored at room temperature for several hours or days and exposed to potential sources of microorganisms. These conditions may favor the entry, adhesion, survival, and biofilm formation of and .