Industry Listeria Group Response to EC Consultation on L. Monocytogenes ECFF joint submission (May 2024) with CLITRAVI, Eucolait & the Industry Listeria Group to the EU on its proposals to amend hashtag Listeria monocytogenes criterion 1.2b in 2073/2005. Principles of an Environmental Monitoring Program for the Management of Listeria monocytogenes This guidance sets out effective environmental hygiene management using monitoring and preventative and corrective actions and how to interpret this data and relate it to other results from raw materials, components and product. This gives much-needed detail to support good hygiene practice particularly for SMEs and for enforcement not only by Competent Authorities but also commercially, e.g. by FBOs buying ready to eat ingredients from suppliers and for final product retail customers. UK food industry and UK and Australian research organisations have produced this guidance, which is designed to ensure that sufficient information is provided by Food Business Operators and laboratories to arrive at valid decisions regarding the shelf life of chilled foods in relation to non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum. The Guidelines are intended to also support FBOs when challenged by Competent Authorities. The Guidelines summarise in an accessible way: Considering the importance and prestige of the sources and the completeness of the document, ECFF Members have endorsed the Guidelines as a valid tool for the chilled Sector.
