Work

Cross-resistance and adaptive persistence of Listeria monocytogenes under multiple food-grade sanitizer stresses: molecular mechanisms and control implications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food-processing environments despite repeated exposure to various food-grade sanitizers. This review summarizes and compares current knowledge on the molecular basis of L. monocytogenes tolerance and persistence to quaternary ammonium-, chlorine-, and peroxide-based agents, as well as emerging sanitization agents or stresses. Efflux-mediated detoxification, membrane modification, oxidative stress response, and biofilm formation are discussed as key adaptive mechanisms contributing to cross-resistance. The convergent and divergent features of these mechanisms among different sanitizer classes are highlighted, providing an integrative perspective on tolerance development. The influence of sublethal exposure, organic load, and multispecies biofilms on long-term persistence is also examined. These insights contribute to the development of predictive hygiene control and evidence-based sanitation strategies for enhanced food safety management.

Source: Food Quality and Safety

DOI: 10.1093/fqsafe/fyaf074

Authors: Yue Cheng, Jiafei Tang, Shuai Wei

Institutions: Guangdong Ocean University, Dalian Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,855