**6. The occurrence of** *L. monocytogenes* **on food contact surfaces in domestic kitchens**

Inadequate hygiene practices in domestic kitchens may contribute to the persistence of foodborne pathogens, thereby compromising the safety of foods produced there [42]. Home kitchens have been found to be a significant location where food-borne illnesses are acquired. A survey conducted in the domestic kitchens of consumers aged 60 and above in the UK indicated that a large number of foods in home refrigerators were beyond the use-by date and up to 66% of opened RTE foods had been stored beyond the recommended 2 days after opening [43]. A study of the occurrence of *Listeria* spp. on food contact surfaces in domestic kitchens in the Netherlands found high levels of *L. monocytogenes* on dish-cloths and in bathrooms, but low levels on kitchen sinks, washing-up brushes and refrigerators [44]. Many researchers have found high levels of *L. monocytogenes* on refrigerator surfaces in domestic kitchens [45].
