CFA’s guidance Assuring Safety of Ready-to-Eat Food (RTE) in Relation to Listeria monocytogenes and Regulation 2073/2005 has been downloaded more than 1,500 times since its launch in January 2026 – reflecting the demand across industry, enforcement and the wider food sector for authoritative, practical guidance ahead of the change to the law on 1 July 2026 in the EU and other jurisdictions applying EU law, e.g. Northern Ireland.
This guidance is a major update of the 2010 CFA/BRC/FSA shelf life guidance and was developed by the CFA-led Industry Listeria Group in direct response to questions arising from the amendment to EU Microbiological Criterion 1.2b. A point the guidance makes clear: the 1 July change does not alter the fundamental shelf life determination requirements that have been in place under Regulation 2073/2005 for nearly 20 years. The amendment tightens the regulatory consequence where a Competent Authority is not satisfied with the basis of shelf life for an RTE food supporting the growth of L. monocytogenes – it does not introduce new methods or mandatory testing regimes. There is no change to longstanding safety or shelf life requirements.
The guidance places HACCP at the centre of food safety assurance and covers shelf life establishment and evidencing, environmental monitoring, ingredient controls, worked examples, enforcement support, and a Q&A addressing common operational and enforcement questions. It was developed with input from major retailers, trade associations, manufacturers, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland. Copies are available here: https://bit.ly/4rtqmLI
“This vital guidance brings practical clarity to the steps manufacturers and other food business operators must take to assure the safety of RTE foods with respect to L. monocytogenes, including how to establish and evidence shelf life. It places prevention at the centre of operations – with strong HACCP, backed by good hygiene and robust prerequisite programmes.”
Karin Goodburn MBE, Chair, Industry Listeria Group, Chilled Food Association
“We welcome this updated industry-led guidance, which provides practical advice to help food businesses manage the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. It will support manufacturers, retailers, and enforcement officers in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of food safety.”
James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy, Food Standards Agency and Garry Mournian, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Food Standards Scotland