In this issue: CFA & Policy: Updated and revised Microbiological Guidance for Growers (MGG4) Brexit: Evidence submitted to EFRA re BTOM Listeria Update CFA/FSRN STEC Methodology Workshop Health & Safety Biofilms People news Chilled Education; FDF Award hat trick Meeting students IRL New career paths More resources from Sam Holyman 100+ resources now available   CFA News 63 April 2025

Prevention of biofilms is a key activity of NBIC (National Biofilms Innovation Centre) and CFA’s Dr Ken Johnston, who is a member of NBIC’s Innovation Board, recently participated in its research and innovation event. A clear take-home message from Peter Littleton, Technical Director of Christeyns was ‘Prevention is better than control’. Breaking up biofilms requires a two-pronged approach – namely an oxidative chemical to release the biofilm from the surface, and a sanitiser to kill the cells released. Strong physical methods are likely to spread contamination and bacteria will be detected for several days. Other highlights included innovations to reveal […]

CFA’s work to support established best practice in setting shelf life with respect to Listeria monocytogenes continues with the publication by the ECFF of their endorsed version of Shelf life for Ready to Eat Food in Relation to L. monocytogenes. The document was originally developed by CFA in 2010 with a coalition of organisations, including numerous food trade associations and the BRC, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Health Protection Agency (now UKHSA), and the Food Standards Agency. Its publication is in preparation for a change to Listeria legislation criterion 1.2b coming into effect next year in the EU […]