Europe-Food Production Daily-FDF calls for full enforcement of EU listeria regulations

18-Feb-2008 – The FDF’s says it believes the current EU regulation with regard to criteria for ready-to-eat foods able to support the growth of Listeria Monocytogenes  (EC regulation 2073 / 2005, as amended) is appropriate. However, it needs to be “fully implemented and enforced and any additional guidance or other measures will need to be simple and powerful to improve compliance.”

An FDF spokesperson clarified: “As with all EU legislation, with so many countries implementing the legislation, there can be differences in the way that country authorities scrutinize products; how they view enforcement; and differences in their interpretation.”

“We are not saying that this legislation is not being fully implemented, but against this backdrop, we need to make sure that we are working on a level playing field.”

EC regulation 2073 / 2005 requires that manufacturers test these ready-to-use products and ensure that sufficient controls are in place to ensure the concentration of Listeria Monocytogenes in food remain below 100cfu/g throughout shelf life.

In the US there is currently a zero tolerance criteria in all foodstuffs. ..more..