Pseudomonasbiofilms can aid the survival of Listeria monocytogenes cells even after disinfection, according to a recent study. Although Pseudomonas are often overlooked as a food safety hazard due to being associated with food spoilage rather than with human foodborne illnesses, the study’s findings suggest that the bacteria may pose a direct threat to food safety in the processing environment.
Pseudomonas are the most commonly found bacteria in food processing environments due to characteristics such as a high growth rate at low temperatures, a high tolerance of antimicrobial agents, and biofilm formation. The bacteria have been of special interest as colonizers in food processing environments, as a food spoilage organism, and as protectors of foodborne pathogens.