Listeria under increasing pressure
Listeria monocytogenes remains one of the most critical microbiological risks within the food industry. Especially in ready-to-eat products, this bacterium can develop during storage and distribution, with major consequences for food safety and brand confidence.
At the same time, legislative requirements are becoming increasingly strict, partly due to amendments to European Regulation (EU 2073/2005) from 2026 onwards. When this substantiation is not available, stricter analytical requirements apply, such as the absence of Listeria monocytogenes throughout the entire shelf-life period.
This substantiation is provided through a Listeria study.
Assurance regarding your Listeria control
Do you have sufficient insight into the behaviour of Listeria within your product? And can you demonstrate compliance with the applicable standards?
Many organisations face the same challenges:
- insufficient insight into the growth potential of Listeria
- uncertainty regarding shelf life and product safety
- increasing pressure from audits and legislation
We support you in obtaining certainty, enabling you to control risks and demonstrably achieve compliance.
Our specialists combine laboratory research with practical interpretation
From analysis to substantiated studies
-
1.
Listeria analysis
We perform reliable microbiological analyses to determine the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This forms the basis for monitoring and risk management within your production environment.
In addition, we can analyse all relevant FSSP parameters, enabling you to make a proper assessment for interpretation yourself. We can also provide support in this process.
-
2.
Listeria studies
To obtain a good Listeria study the following steps have to be followed:
- Record properties of raw material (GIRA)
- Detail your production processes
- Define the nature and level of hygiene measures
- Determine the complete storage and conservation process
- Determine composition and growth inhibiting components
- Determine realistic initial contamination
- If necessary Model
- If necessary challenge testThis demonstrates that your product remains safe throughout its entire shelf life.
-
3.
Listeria challenge test
With a challenge test we simulate an infection to determine how listeria behaves in your product.
This provides insight into:
- possible growth during storage
- effectiveness of control measures
- substantiation towards legislation and auditsThe aim is to determine whether, and to what extent, the bacterium can grow under realistic conditions.
This test is often essential to:
- scientifically substantiate shelf life
- comply with European regulations
- demonstrably control risks
Why choose Normec Foodcare?
At Normec Foodcare, we combine laboratory expertise with knowledge of legislation and regulations.
- Specialist in microbiological research within the food sector
- Experience with Listeria-related challenges
- Practical translation of data into advice
- Support with issues and risk management
We ensure that you not only measure, but also understand and improve.
Getting started with listeria research
Would you like certainty regarding the safety and shelf life of your products? Or do you have a specific question about Listeria and legislation?
Contact our specialists or request a quote directly. We think along with you and provide a solution tailored to your organisation.
Frequently asked questions about Listeria
-
It depends on the type of product and the moment in the chain (production or end-of-life). We will help you interpret them correctly.
-
When producing high-risk products, changes in recipe, process or shelf life, or when required by legislation or customers.
-
Not in all cases, it is part of the entire Listeria study. The challenge test may be necessary to prove that your product meets the requirements of the European legislation.