CFA-led Listeria guidance supported by FSA and FSS tops 1,500 downloads

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

CFA Publishes 2022 Annual Report

CFA’s Annual Report for the calendar year 2022 has been published summarising key activities and aims including:

EU Listeria micro criteria: Established and leading Industry Listeria Group engaged with UK
Government and internationally with industry in readiness for EU consultation on potential changes to
requirements. Developed lobbying strategy and summarised evidence base including guidance on
effective environmental sampling. Aiming to retain current effective food safety measures.
Lm Biome: Developed validated microbiological method to assess microbial reduction efficacy. Partner
in CPS-funded project with CEBAS (starting 1/1/23).
Incoming raw material positives: impacts assessed (person days, cost) to help focus best practice
development.
Brexit: Composite products focus. Established and leading SPS Certification WG of industry, certifiers
and Port Health engaging with Government resolving issues and supporting eCertification
development. Tracking & reporting on EHC applications, certifier burden & costs.
Briefing documents published on: raw RTE beetroot and onion safety best practice, relevance of
generic E. coli and STEC testing to food safety, ethical employment in agriculture and food production
and sustainability in agriculture and fresh produce.
Vac Pack/MAP foods: CFA gave evidence to the ACMSF’s risk review of original 1992 guidance, aiming
for retention of flexibility for SUSSLE and removal of non-science-based rules.
CFA Board: membership criteria reviewed and Board refreshed.