Cross-contamination Prevention Practices in Retail Delis: An Observation Study

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a persistent public health concern for the United States. Epidemiologic investigations have found that ingestion of contaminated food is the primary vehicle of transmission of this pathogen. Additionally, data indicate that of 23 Ready-to-Eat foods linked to L. monocytogenes, deli meats pose the greatest risk of Listeriosis per year and per serving. Data also suggest that cross-contamination is a significant contributor to contaminated Ready-to-Eat foods in retail delis. We need to identify gaps in retail deli practices and policies that may contribute to cross-contamination of L. monocytogenes.

Purpose: To describe retail deli food safety practices and policies associated with cross-contamination prevention.

Methods: This study was conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net), a collaborative forum of federal, state, and local environmental health specialists working to understand factors associated with foodborne illness. EHS-Net environmental health specialists collected data in delis (N = 298) by interviewing the manager about deli characteristics, practices, and policies and observing the deli kitchen environment.

Results: In 22% of delis, data collectors observed at least one handwashing sink being used for other activities, such as rinsing raw vegetables or washing dishes, utensils and equipment. Raw foods were cooked in an area separate from but next to the deli area in 49% of delis. In 24% of delis, an in-use sanitizing solution was not at the proper concentration. There was no written policy concerning handwashing or disposable glove use in 27 and 45% of delis, respectively. In 34% of delis, there was no written policy for fully cleaning the food slicers.

Significance: The results indicate that some delis are engaging in practices that could contribute to cross-contamination. To reduce Listeria rates, these cross-contamination prevention gaps must be addressed.