Which statement about Listeria monocytogenes is true?

• A. It can grow at refrigeration temperatures (4 C)
• B. It cannot grow at 4 C
• C. It is destroyed by refrigeration
• D. It requires high heat to reproduce

Answer: (A)

Listeria monocytogenes can keep growing even when foods are refrigerated. This organism is psychrotrophic, so it remains able to multiply at cold temperatures like 4°C (and even lower in some cases). Because of this, simply chilling foods does not reliably prevent its growth, especially in ready-to-eat products that aren’t cooked before eating. Refrigeration slows its growth but does not destroy it; heat, when applied thoroughly (for example, cooking to safe internal temperatures), is required to kill the bacteria. This is why the statement that it can grow at refrigeration temperatures is the true one.