Fig. 1

Prevalence of L. monocytogenes in tree fruit packing facilities throughout two packing seasons. Environmental samples were collected from the floor under the brush conveyor belt where washing, fan-drying, and waxing processes are carried out in three tree fruit packing facilities (F1, F2, F2) (A). The prevalence of L. monocytogenes is shown by facility (B) and by processing section (C) during sampling conducted in two seasons: year 1 (Y1) and year 2 (Y2). A total of 39 and 24 samples were collected per facility in Y1 and Y2, respectively. The presence and absence of viable L. monocytogenes, as determined by an enrichment method, is shown in pink and orange, respectively. The p-values denote significant differences between samples collected in Y1 and Y2 using a two-proportion Z-test to statistically evaluate the differences in the occurrence of L. monocytogenes