We investigated 543 Listeria monocytogenes isolates from food having a temporal and spatial distribution compatible with that of the invasive listeriosis outbreak occurring 2012-2016 in southern Germany. Using forensic microbiology, we identified several products from 1 manufacturer contaminated with the outbreak genotype. Continuous molecular surveillance of food isolates could prevent such outbreaks.
Keywords: Germany; Listeria monocytogenes; bacteria; food safety; foodborne disease; forensic microbiology; listeriosis; molecular tracing; molecular typing; outbreak; pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; whole-genome sequencing.