Revised detection methods of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and dairy products from sheep/goat milk.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to review the existing laws and regulations concerning the detection of Salmonella and Listeria bacterial species in sheep and goat raw milk and dairy products. The products under examination were raw sheep/goat milk, halloumi and anari cheese, the latter two being types of white cheese produced in Cyprus. The procedures in question were ISO 11290-1:1996 for Listeria monocytogenes and ISO 6579:2002 for Salmonella species. Additionally supplementary examinations were conducted using another method which is soon going to be used for the detection of these two bacterial species. The new method was introduced so that the detection of Salmonella species from raw and faecal materials can be done using just a single method than two different methods. In the case of Listeria monocytogenes we also used a different detection method which was proven to be more accurate and reliable than the method used in ISO: 11290-1:1996. All the procedures and experiments were conducted in accordance with the EU rules and regulations concerning the detection of Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes. Although all the results from the raw milk and the dairy products tested for Salmonella and Listeria were negative, the aim was to review the methods and materials