What guidance can be provided on testing and sanitation of food contact surfaces for Listeria species?
To address these risk management questions, a dynamic in-plant model (referred to the in-plant model) (Slide 16) quantitatively characterizing the relationship between Listeria species in in-plant environment and L. monocytogenes in deli meats at retail was developed using the available data. The outputs of the in-plant model (e.g., concentration of L. monocytogenes on deli meat at retail) were used as inputs into the updated FDA/FSIS retail-to-table exposure pathway for deli meats. These two connected models — the in-plant model and the updated retail-to-table FDA-FSIS exposure assessment and FDA/FSIS dose-response relationship — comprise the overall risk assessment model. (Slide 17) Combinations of interventions (e.g., testing and sanitation of food contact surfaces, pre-and post-packaging interventions, and the use of growth inhibitors/product reformulation) appear to be much more effective than any single intervention in mitigating the potential contamination of RTE product with L.
