Short communicationBiofilm formation of Yersinia enterocolitica and its persistence following treatment with different sanitation agents

•Pork meat dripping supports biofilm formation by Y. enterocolitica, especially biotype 4.•Y. enterocolitica biofilm formed in pork meat dripping is more persistent than that formed in laboratory media (TSB).•Sodium hypochlorite is more effective than quaternary ammonium compound in cleaning biofilm of Y. enterocolitica formed in MJ.

The biofilm formation by Yersinia enterocolitica was studied under conditions simulating a meat processing environment. Y. enterocoltica, especially biotype 4, readily formed biofilm in pork meat juice (MJ: meat juice). Biofilm was detectable after repeated treatment simulating the everyday cleaning routine which implies the potential to survive and persist in a pork processing environment. Sodium hypochlorite was more effective a sanitizer than quaternary ammonium compound (QAC: quaternary ammonium compound) in cleaning biofilm of Y. enterocolitica.