Evaluation of Listeria innocua as a suitable indicator for replacing Listeria monocytogenes during ripening of Camembert cheese

The suitability of Listeria innocua for use as an indicator for replacing Listeria monocytogenes during the cheese-making and ripening of Camembert cheese was evaluated. Pasteurized whole milk inoculated with either L. innocua or L. monocytogenes was used to make Camembert cheese, which were ripened in three stages. All cheese was ripened in three stages: room temperature (∼20 °C) and relative humidity of 60% for 36 h; 12 °C and relative humidity of 93% for 2 weeks; and 7 °C and relative humidity of 85% for 3 weeks. Results showed that population values of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes on day 1 were 7.16 and 6.11 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, which declined to 6.54 and 5.45 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, during subsequent 20 days. Thereafter, L. innocua and L. monocytogenes populations increased to 7.38 and 6.06 log₁₀ CFU/g on day 35 of ripening, respectively. During ripening, surface and interior of cheeses were analysed for populations of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes, respectively. The data were collected on day 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 of ripening. Generally, the growth of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes is faster in surface than in centre. Top centre, bottom centre and bottom surface locations had similar population values during ripening. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between batch and section of cheese. The ripening time and locations had significant effect (P < 0.05) on the survival and growth of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes. The trends of survival and growth of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes were similar. These results indicated that L. innocua can be considered as an indicator for L. monocytogenes during ripening of Camembert cheese.