Together with experts from industry and science, QS has developed a supporting document for slaughterhouses, deboning- and processing-plants to determine the risk of Listeria monocytogenes occurrence and reduce it if necessary. The supporting document shows how the risk of Listeria can be assessed in a systematic self-assessment based on the products, processes and structural conditions.
In addition, the supporting document offers support in the classification of products according to Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005, so that it can be quickly understood which category and limit value applies to the product. In addition, recommendations for sampling, analysis and evaluation of results are given and practical examples are given which can serve as indications for adjustments in case of identified risks or positive results.
Background:
In recent years, the meat industry has repeatedly experienced public product recalls due to evidence of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria are very resistant, less demanding bacteria and can survive even under extreme conditions (deep freezing, drying, exclusion of oxygen). Since Listeria infection can have serious consequences in certain groups of people (infants, pregnant women, the elderly and immunocompromised people), food companies are responsible for regularly monitoring the contamination risk of their products. The new QS supporting document Listeria Prevention is intended to support them.
The document can be requested free of charge using the following order form.
