FDA and USDA's Risk Assessment on Listeria monocytogenes
Reinforces Safe Food Handling of Ready-to-Eat Foods
as Key to Reducing Listeriosis

On October 21, 2003, FDA in cooperation with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, and in collaboration with CDC, released the Listeria monocytogenes risk assessment concerning food products and the foodborne illness listeriosis. Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The risk assessment is available on the web at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov, www.foodsafety.gov, and http://www.foodriskclearinghouse.umd.edu. The FDA press release and Q&As are available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00963.html.

The risk assessment identified two simple food handling practices that would reduce the risk of illness or outbreaks from Listeria monocytogenes by more than 50 percent. One practice is to keep refrigerated foods stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The other practice is to use perishable items that are precooked or ready-to-eat as soon as possible.

The risk assessment estimated the relative risks of serious illness and death associated with the consumption of 23 types of ready-to-eat foods and included public comments and newly available data received in response to the draft risk assessment that was completed in 2001. The scientific results will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of current and future policies, programs, guidance, and regulatory practices to minimize the risk to the public.

 

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Office Number: (301) 436-2277· FAX (301) 436-2605 CFSAN Web site: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/