CFA/BRC Guidance on the Implementation of the EU Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs Regulation

The EU Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs Regulation (MCFR) came into force in January 2006 and relates to a package of new EU hygiene regulations that came into effect at that time, and to the General Food Law Regulation 178/2002, which came into effect on 1 January 2005.

Please refer to the consolidated legislation, which incorporates corrections and amendments.

Implementation Guidance has been drawn up by CFA, which is supported by a number of trade organisations and Government agencies, and which includes:

Part A Overview of the Requirements of the Regulations including:petri dishes dv1357080

  • The Purpose Of Microbiological Criteria
  • The Purpose of Microbiological Testing
  • The Legal Context
    – Requirements For Food Businesses
  • Recommendations For Food Businesses
  • Sampling Plans and Frequencies

Part B Interpretation of Annex I of the Regulations (The Microbiological Criteria)
Food Safety Criteria

  • Ready-to-eat foods
  • Minced meat and meat preparations
  • Meat and products thereof
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Infant Formula and dried dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes
  • Egg Products
  • Fishery Products and Shellfish
  • Produce

Process Hygiene Criteria

  • Meat and products thereof
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Infant formula and dried dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes
  • Egg Products
    – Fishery Products and Shellfish
  • Produce

Figures

  • Decision Tree Showing Application of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) Criteria
  • Sampling rules for poultry carcases
  • Sampling frequencies for red meat carcases
  • Sampling frequencies for poultry slaughterhouses

Download Micro Criteria Guidance – note this is up to date with respect to L. monocytogenes but other changes have been made to EU law

See also:

Updated 12/7/23