Discover the 9 control measures of Listeria monocytogenes
In the food sector, the control of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods remains an important issue. Besides the HACCP analysis and the necessary hygiene measures to control (post)contamination, the focus is on studies of potential contamination and the possibility of outgrowth under "worst-case" conditions.
Find out in 9 steps what control measures you can take and read our white paper on Listeria monocytogenes.
The impact of Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes can cause the serious infection listeriosis. Although invasive listeriosis is rare, it is among the most serious food-borne diseases, with high mortality and hospitalization rates, even in wealthy countries. Listeria monocytogenes infection has far-reaching consequences, both financially and for the image of your product and company.
When a food product is found to be contaminated, you must take immediate action, such as a product recall, to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers. A professional approach to such a situation can help minimize financial risks and damage to your image.
Criteria
Regulation (EU) 2073/2005 sets food safety criteria for food products including criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. As a producer, you must ensure that products always meet these criteria. An amendment to these criteria was published in 2024 (Regulation (EU) 2024/2895).
This regulation states that as a producer you must be able to demonstrate throughout the shelf life of products that they meet the criteria. Substantiation through challenge tests (provocation tests) are an essential part of this.
Multidisciplinary approach
Management measures for Listeria monocytogenes are complex and often multidisciplinary. Essential elements are a clean production area, product analyses, process control, environmental monitoring and well-trained employees. Insufficient training can result in employees bringing bacteria into the plant. Ultimately, prevention is always better than cure.
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