Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium capable of growing at refrigeration temperatures that poses a serious risk in ready-to-eat and chilled foods, and is subject to mandatory microbiological criteria under EU Regulation 2073/2005.
In trade practice
Processing facilities handling frozen berries, vegetables or chilled products must maintain environmental monitoring programmes targeting drains, floor-wall junctions and cold equipment surfaces where Listeria can persist. Swab results and corrective action records are reviewed during audits against BRCGS, IFS or equivalent schemes. A frequent gap is inadequate monitoring frequency during production rather than only during cleaning. Buyers of frozen fruit intended for ready-to-eat use often require Listeria absence test results on finished product lots.
In a specification
A microbiological specification for ready-to-eat product will cite Regulation 2073/2005 criteria and state the sampling plan category, sample size and required absence or limit per gram applicable at the point of placing on the market.