Tag Archives Listeria

FDA has published a notice requesting comments, scientific data and information “that would assist the agency in its plans to conduct a risk assessment of the public health impact of foodborne Listeria monocytogenes in some ready-to-eat foods, sliced, prepared, and/or packaged in retail facilities.” According to the notice, “[l]ittle is known about how Listeria contamination occurs in retail facilities . . . There is thus a need to identify potential sources and practices that may increase L. monocytogenes contamination in retail settings and practices or interventions that could reduce or eliminate L. monocytogenes contamination of food products (sold to consumers at the retail level) and resulting human illness.” Comments and materials relevant to FDA’s risk assessment must be submitted by April 21, 2009. The agency specifically requests data and information about (i) ready-to-eat food markets in the United States; (ii) deli department characteristics; (iii) product contamination data; (iv) factors influencing the growth of the…