Detection and isolation of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods with various selective culture media

► The ISO 11290 method was used for isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes. ► Out of 396 RTE foods tested, 17.9% were positive for Listeria spp. ► Among the isolated Listeria spp., 11.4% were L. monocytogenes. ► Salads and vegetables showed the highest prevalence of L. monocytogenes. ► CHROMagar™ Listeria for detection of L. monocytogenes showed the highest Efficiency.