New circular on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods
On 12/02/2023 and 13/03/2023, the FASFC published a new circular on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods.
The circular has two objectives:
- Informing companies about their obligations regarding the application of the microbiological criterion for Listeria monocytogenes in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005.
- Informing companies about their obligations regarding the shelf life of ready-to-eat foods with respect to Listeria monocytogenes, with the exception of infant food and food for medical purposes.
Edith Castelein
What does this circular cover?
1. Analyses for Listeria monocytogenes must be carried out by the operator according to a justified frequency.
The interpretation of the results must be based on criterion 1.2 and criterion 1.3 of the Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005
Criterion 1.2 applies to ready-to-eat foods in which Listeria monocytogenes can grow, with the exception of infant food and food for medical purposes.
Before the food has left the immediate control of the food business operator who produced it, the limit of "not detected in 25 grams" applies, unless the operator can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FASFC that the product will comply with the limit of 100 cfu/g throughout the shelf life (cf. footnote 7 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005).
For products placed on the market, a limit of 100 cfu/g applies for the duration of the shelf life if the producer can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FASFC that the product will comply with this limit throughout the shelf life (cf. footnote 5 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005).
Criterion 1.3 applies to ready-to-eat foods in which Listeria monocytogenes can survive, but not grow, with the exception of infant food and food for medical purposes. For products placed on the market, a limit of 100 cfu/g applies for the duration of the shelf life.
2. Several flow diagrams have been added to help determine the application of the correct criterion for Listeria monocytogenes and to help carry out shelf-life studies and any challenge tests.
The flow diagrams answer the following questions:
- Which criterion for Listeria monocytogenes should be applied?
- How should a shelf-life study for Listeria monocytogenes be carried out?
- Which limit for Listeria monocytogenes should be applied based on the evidence provided?
How can AMNorman support you?
Our AMNorman experts specialise in the correct application of rules and regulations. They are happy to answer your questions about this circular and help with the interpretation of the flow diagrams.
