Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen disclosed by foods. Its accurate identification is important for the correct determination of the risk associated with the ingestion of food. The aim of this research was to determine the occurrence of Listeria spp. in samples of hot dog sausages and ground beef, sold in bulk in the Federal District. A total of 162 samples, 127 hot dog sausages and 35 samples of ground beef cattle, were analyzed. The isolation and identification of the genus were made by conventional methodology and distinction of species was verified by specific biochemical kit (API-Listeria®) and by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of 23S rRNA gene. Twenty-six strains of Listeria spp. were isolated. Samples of hot dog sausages identified 18 strains of Listeria innocua and 08 strains of Listeria monocytogenes. Of the 35 samples of ground beef cattle were isolated, 16 strains of Listeria spp., 12 strains of Listeria innocua and 04 strains of Listeria monocytogenes. There was total agreement in the distinction of Listeria species using the two methods. The presence of Listeria spp. in samples of hot dog sausages and ground beef, sold in bulk in commercial establishment of the Federal District represents a risk to consumer health.
Listeria monocytogenes; meat products; PCR
