Discover the 9 management measures of Listeria monocytogenes

In the food sector, the control of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods is an important issue. It can have far-reaching consequences, both financially and for the image of your product and company. Read the updated white paper and find out in 9 steps what management measures you can take.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause the serious infection listeriosis. Although invasive listeriosis is rare, it is among the most serious foodborne illnesses, with high mortality and hospitalization rates, even in wealthy countries. When a food 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 risk and reputational damage.

Regulation (EU) 2073/2005 establishes food safety criteria for food 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.

Management measures for Listeria monocytogenes are complex and often multidisciplinary. Essential elements are a clean production area, product analysis, 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.

Read the updated white paper and find out in 9 steps what management measures you can take.