PALCAM Broth is used with supplements for the selective enrichment of Listeria spp. from foods and environmental samples in a laboratory setting. PALCAM Broth is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

Listeria monocytogenes, described in 1926 by Murray, Webb, and Swann, is a widespread problem in food industries. Evidence from outbreaks of listeriosis indicate the principle route of transmission is via the consumption of foodstuffs contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Implicated vehicles of transmission include turkey frankfurters, coleslaw, pasteurized milk, Mexican style cheese, and pate. PALCAM Broth is based on the formulation of Van Netten et al. while he was investigating the isolation of Listeria spp. from food samples. PALCAM Broth has been used for testing Listeria from raw milk.