Rapid Diagnostic Tools for L. monocytogenes Detection

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) continues to pose a serious and growing threat to food safety, particularly in ready-to-eat (RTE) sectors such as dairy, meat, and fresh produce. Its remarkable ability to thrive in diverse environments—including soil, water, crops, and manure—combined with its resilience to cold, disinfectants, and its capacity to form biofilms, makes it exceptionally difficult to control. Compounding the issue is the rising incidence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Listeria strains, which diminishes treatment options and escalates public health risks. Despite existing Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulations, industry surveillance still relies heavily on monitoring E. coli as an indicator organism—an approach that is not effective for assessing Listeria risk which requires targeted real-time monitoring at critical control points.

This project proposes a timely and transformative solution: the development of a low-cost, field-deployable point-of-use (PoU) diagnostic tool for L. monocytogenes detection. Utilising a Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the plcB gene, the tool delivers highly sensitive and specific results (down to 3 CFU/mL) within 60 minutes—without the need for specialised lab facilities or personnel. Designed for use directly in food processing environments, this diagnostic platform will be validated across key matrices including water, soil, meat, dairy, and fresh produce.

Over 12 months, we will co-design assay performance criteria with industry partners, optimise the test for real-world conditions, and benchmark its accuracy against conventional qPCR methods. The anticipated outcome is a prototype diagnostic tool ready for integration into Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans, enabling early detection, improved risk management, and reduced AMR risks. This project will fill a critical gap in Australia’s food safety infrastructure—enhancing regulatory compliance, supporting industry resilience, and protecting public health in the face of a complex and evolving microbial threat.

University of South Australia (UniSA)

The University of Queensland (UQ)

Twelve months