Listeria monocytogenes is a major safety concern for ready- to- eat (RTE) meals, which are frequently contaminated with this pathogen. So a total of 105 random samples represented by 7 kinds of ready –to-eat meals (kofta, fried liver (kibda), luncheon, sausage, hotdog, cooked cheese with basturma and basturma) were collected from different supermarkets and street venders inPort-Said City.L. monocytogenes was isolated from basturma only in 4 samples (26.6%). On other hand L. monocytogenes could not be isolated from any of the other examined samples. Polymerase chain reaction is a powerful technique for detection of pathogens in foods. It is a rapid procedure with both sensitivity and specificity for quick detection and identification of specific pathogenic bacteria from different sources. Listeria monocytogenes detection methods based on PCR amplification of the prfA and hly genes sequences have been reported. The virulence gene prfA was found in all isolates which is responsible for the initiation of pathogenesis so its target is to detect pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The public health hazard of this microorganism as well as recommended measures to improve quality status of ready- to- eat (RTE) meals was discussed.