Potential of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to persist and form viable but non-culturable cells on a food-contact surface subjected to cycles of soiling and chemical treatment

This study shows that conditions leading to E. coli O157:H7 persistence are not likely to arise when good refrigeration and hygiene practices are applied, and highlights the usefulness of EMA or PMA-qPCR as a complement to CFU determination in studying bacterial survival after cleaning and disinfection.