Growth of Listeria monocytogenes at refrigeration temperatures

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Abstract
The growth of three strains of Listeria monocytogenes at refrigeration temperatures (-0.5 to 9.3.degree.C) in chicken broth and/or UHT milk was determined using a rocking temperature gradient incubator. Minimum growth temperatures ranged from -0.1 to -0.4.degree.C for the three strains. Lag times of 1-3 d and 3 to > 34 d were observed with incubation at 5 and 0.degree.C respectively. Corresponding generation times ranged from 13-24 h at 5.degree.C and 62-131 h at 0.degree.C. The type of culture medium had an influence on both the rate and extent of growth. Incubation of cultures at 4.degree.C before inoculation caused a marked reduction in the lag time when compared with cultures which had been previously incubated at 30.degree.C.