Optimal levels of inputs to control Listeria monocytogenes contamination at a smoked fish plant

Reducing the incidence of listeriosis from contaminated food has significant social health benefits, but reduction requires the use of additional or higher quality inputs at higher costs. The authors estimate the impact of three inputs in a food processing plant on the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes contaminated finished cold smoked salmon. These three inputs were noncontamination of the raw fish fillets, noncontamination of the plant environment, and rate of glove changes on workers. We then estimate the minimum cost levels of these inputs to reach various levels of noncontamination of the finished product, tracing out a cost curve. Marginal cost is then equated to potential marginal benefits from reductions in L. monocytogenes contamination. Results show how socially suboptimal use of inputs may result because the costs of these inputs are borne by the food processing plant, which may not be able to secure a high enough product price. [Econlit Citations: D24, L66, M11, Q13] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 229-244, 2007.