During this project, a self contained test was developed, which was capable of rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes on food contact and non-contact surfaces, as well as on samples of ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meat. The test was designed so that it could be completed directly in the food (pork) processing environment, with minimal need for equipment. When the test was evaluated using artificially contaminated stainless steel, acrylic and ceramic coupons, the test, termed the Phast Swab, was capable of detecting as few as 101 CFU/cm2 of Listeria monocytogenes. When the Phast Swab was tested on RTE meat, as few as 102 CFU/100 cm diameter of deli meat was detectable. Test results were usually available within 15 to 18 hours, and the actual hands on time to complete the test (i.e the amount of time a person would need to spend doing the test) was 5-10 minutes. The Phast Swab is an easy to use visually interpreted test, that detects viable L. monocytogenes cells on a variety of surfaces, in a rapid and sensitive manner.