Lab M's Harlequin™ chromogenic range includes microbiological culture media for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes.

Amongst other applications, Harlequin™ Listeria Chromogenic Agar is an effective addition to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) monitoring within the food industry.

Lab M's chromogenic media deliver a rapid, accurate means of isolating and enumerating organisms through the detection of specific enzyme activities, reducing the need for subculture and confirmatory biochemical tests.

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the five key organisms against which the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been monitoring progress in reducing foodborne disease. Other microbiological parameters include Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

Results from an FSA microbiological survey of cold sliced cooked meats and pates on retail sale in the UK are due to be published in Spring 2009 [FSA survey]. The main aim of the survey is to look for possible contamination of these products with Listeria monocytogenes. Despite a gradual decrease in reported cases since 2003, the number of cases of listeriosis in the UK is still much higher than in the 1990s. Since listeriosis has a high mortality rate, particularly among older people, it is important that any potential source is identified.