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30.04.2024 - Foods

ImportantAspectsRegardingSamplingPlansForEnvironmentalTestingForListeriaMonocytogenes/ListeriaSpp.

In the guideline on preventive measures against Listeria monocytogenes by the German Food Association, Chapter 7.1 lists and considers, among other things, the following aspects for the design of a meaningful sampling plan:

•  High-risk areas should be sampled more frequently. These include hard-to-reach and moist areas that are not in contact with the product and are not subject to thorough and regular cleaning and disinfection (e.g., gullies, condensate collection pans, sealing rubbers of refrigeration rooms, undersides of conveyor belts)
• Product-contact points should also be considered in the sampling plan based on risk
• Environmental samples can be taken both during ongoing operations and after performing cleaning and disinfection measures
• In areas where microbiologically contaminated raw materials are handled, environmental samples during ongoing operations are generally not useful. 
• It is recommended to use sampling material with neutralizing substances.
• Numerous instructions on conducting sampling are provided. For example, this involves selecting the material (sponge or swab) and the sampling area 
• Recommendations for the transport of samples (duration and temperatures) are outlined
• The test results must be reviewed promptly, and regular trend analyses should be conducted. This is to ensure that corrective measures are initiated immediately in case of noticeable findings or negative trends
• If positive results occur in consecutive samplings, strain comparisons of the isolates can be helpful in determining the cause and clarifying whether it is a case of a persistent strain
• Environmental samples for Listeria spp. can be useful as they are suitable as an indicator for potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. However, detecting Listeria spp. is not the same as detecting Listeria monocytogenes. In case of positive findings with Listeria spp., appropriate hygiene measures should also be initiated, and further identification or confirmation should be conducted to rule out Listeria monocytogenes

You can find our profile on Listeria monocytogenes at the following link: www.bav-institut.de

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are very happy to help answer your questions.

Sources: 

German Food Association e.V.: https://www.lebensmittelverband.de/de/

Link to the guideline: www.lebensmittelverband.de