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Formaggio di Fossa di Sogliano is a traditional Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese ripened for a minimum of 5 months, with the feature of a ripening of at least 80 to at most 100 days in pits, digged into tuffaceous rocks according to medieval tradition of Italy. In this study, a challenge test using Listeria innocua as a surrogate of Listeria monocytogenes was performed, with the aim of increasing knowledge concerning the impact of the Fossa cheese process, and especially of the traditional ripening process of this PDO, on the behaviour of L. monocytogenes. Pasteurized milk was experimentally inoculated with 4.5 log CFU/mL cocktail by three L. innocua strains, and L. innocua and Mesophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) counts as well as the evolution of temperatures, pH and aw values were monitored throughout the manufacturing and ripening processes. Throughout the ripening in maturation room a constant temperature of 8°C was observed reaching a temperature between 10 and 15.5°C during ripening into pit. In the final products data for LAB concentration, pH and aw values were roughly in accordance with literature, even if some differences were, probably due to variability of artisanal cheese productions. The numbers of L. innocua showed a slight decrease but remained stable until the end of ripening in maturation room, whereas a significant reduction of the microorganism was observed in the final product, at the end of the ripening into the pit. The findings give scientific evidence that the process of this PDO prevented the L. innocua growth, allowing us to speculate a similar behaviour of L. monocytogenes. Based on this study, the recommendation to extend as much as possible the ripening into pit (from 80 to 100 days) was provided to food business operators as a risk mitigation strategy to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two quantitative risk assessment (RA) models were developed to describe the risk of salmonellosis and listeriosis linked to consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. Exposure assessment considered the official microbiological records monitoring raw milk samples from vending machines performed by the regional veterinary authorities from 2008 to 2011, microbial growth during storage, destruction experiments, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, and consumption preference. Two separate RA models were developed: one for the consumption of boiled milk and the other for the consumption of raw milk. The RA models predicted no human listeriosis cases per year either in the best or worst storage conditions and with or without boiling raw milk, whereas the annual estimated cases of salmonellosis depend on the dose-response relationships used in the model, the milk storage conditions, and consumer behavior in relation to boiling raw milk or not. For example, the estimated salmonellosis cases ranged from no expected cases, assuming that the entire population boiled milk before consumption, to a maximum of 980,128 cases, assuming that the entire population drank raw milk without boiling, in the worst milk storage conditions, and with the lowest dose-response model. The findings of this study clearly show how consumer behavior could affect the probability and number of salmonellosis cases and in general, the risk of illness. Hence, the proposed RA models emphasize yet again that boiling milk before drinking is a simple yet effective tool to protect consumers against the risk of illness inherent in the consumption of raw milk. The models may also offer risk managers a useful tool to identify or implement appropriate measures to control the risk of acquiring foodborne pathogens. Quantification of the risks associated with raw milk consumption is necessary from a public health perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct sale by farmers of raw milk for human consumption has been allowed in Italy since 2004. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of selected foodborne pathogens in raw milk sold in vending machines, in field handling conditions, and during shelf-life from production to consumption. Temperature of storage of raw milk in 33 farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk were investigated from farm to vending machine delivery, together with consumer habits in one province of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Failure to maintain appropriate low temperatures during shelf-life was recorded and 43% of consumers did not boil milk before consumption. Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni strains were inoculated into raw milk samples, and the best (4°C as established by law) and worst temperature storage conditions detected (variable temperature) were simulated. Boiling tests were performed for each pathogen considered at high and low levels of contamination. Results showed an increase in L. monocytogenes in milk stored at 4°C and at variable temperatures recorded in shelf-life monitoring, an increase in E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium at variable temperatures but not at 4°C, and a decrease in C. jejuni in all storage conditions. Boiling milk is effective in making it safe for consumers. This study provides evidence that appropriate handling of raw milk, maintaining low temperatures, together with consumer education concerning boiling raw milk before consumption are key factors in preventing foodborne infections linked to raw milk consumption, and helps assess the risk of foodborne infection linked to raw milk consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative risk assessment (RA) model was developed to describe the risk of campylobacteriosis linked to consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. Exposure assessment was based on the official microbiological records of raw milk samples from vending machines monitored by the regional Veterinary Authorities from 2008 to 2011, microbial growth during storage, destruction experiments, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, consumption preference and age of consumers. The differential risk considered milk handled under regulation conditions (4 °C throughout all phases) and the worst time-temperature field handling conditions detected. Two separate RA models were developed, one for the consumption of boiled milk and the other for the consumption of raw milk, and two different dose-response (D–R) relationships were considered. The RA model predicted no human campylobacteriosis cases per year either in the best (4 °C) storage conditions or in the case of thermal abuse in case of boiling raw milk, whereas in case of raw milk consumption the annual estimated campylobacteriosis cases depend on the dose-response relationships used in the model (D–R I or D–R II), the milk time-temperature storage conditions, consumer behaviour and age of consumers, namely young (with two cut-off values of ≤5 or ≤6 years old for the sensitive population) versus adult consumers. The annual estimated cases for young consumers using D–R II for the sensitive population (≤5 years old) ranged between 1013.7/100,000 population and 8110.3/100,000 population and for adult consumers using D–R I between 79.4/100,000 population and 333.1/100,000 population. Quantification of the risks associated with raw milk consumption is necessary from a public health perspective and the proposed RA model represents a useful and flexible tool to perform future RAs based on local consumer habits to support decision-making on safety policies. Further educational programmes for raw milk consumers or potential raw milk consumers are required to encourage consumers to boil milk to reduce the associated risk of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade of food of animal origin between countries is carried out according to specific bilateral agreements based on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement. As specific control plans are currently in place for establishments that produce meat products to be exported to the US in order to ensure the equivalence between control systems, the Italian Ministry of Health implemented a monitoring plan in food processing establishments that export meat (n = 29), fishery (n = 5) and dairy products (n = 16) to other Third Countries. Audits of good hygiene practices for the verification of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), were carried out. For each plant, 15 environmental samples for detection of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and 5 samples of ready-to-eat products for detection of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella were taken, in a total of 750 surface samples and 250 food samples. The presence of L. monocytogenes was reported in 58 environmental samples (7.7%, 95% CI 6.0–9.9), detected in 50% of food companies. L. monocytogenes was also detected in 7 food product samples (2.8%, 95% CI 1.4–5.7). Salmonella spp. was never detected. Genetic characterization of L. monocytogenes strains with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was made, in one case, to correlate the origin of product contaminations to the processing environment. Genetic homogeneity among strains isolated from the same establishment was always highlighted. Audits showed that the most part of features relating to the presence and application of SSOPs were satisfied in the large majority of food companies in a proportion ranging from 88% to 100%, except the rotation of disinfectants (44% not compliant) and the presence of a list of surfaces to be regularly checked (18% not compliant). This study allowed to collect information on the microbiological safety of food companies that export from Italy to the Third Countries. Microbiological contaminations were similar to food companies that export to the US, even if L. monocytogenes detection was slightly more common. Improving cleaning and disinfection procedures and the correct application of the SSOPs will be useful to comply with the zero tolerance for L. monocytogenes requested by some Third Countries. • Export of food of animal origin is carried out according to bilateral agreements. • Lab testing and SSOPs audits were carried out in export-authorized processing plants. • The presence and application of SSOPs were satisfactory in most food companies. • Microbiological contaminations were similar to food companies that export to US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]