@inproceedings{01JAWCMP07KYPC9CA2G3JXEX4D,
  abstract     = {{In recent years, pre-packed ready-to-eat (RTE) foods on the Belgian market have shifted to a more plant-based composition. Yet, similar to animal-based RTE foods, plant-based RTE foods can be susceptible to the presence and outgrowth of L. monocytogenes. In this regard, the prevalence and growth potential of L. monocytogenes were evaluated for three innovative, pre-packed, plant-based RTE food types on the Belgian market, i.e. sliced vegetarian and vegan deli sandwich fillings, fresh-cut (mixes of) leafy vegetables, and multi-ingredient salad bowls. Prevalence data were collected through a retail survey, while challenge tests were performed to determine the growth potential of the pathogen. To estimate the listeriosis health risk associated with the studied plant-based RTE food categories, a risk profile was then constructed, comparing these RTE food types with several animal-based RTE food types which are known to be susceptible for L. monocytogenes presence and growth (e.g. cold-smoked fish). Multiple risk factors were included in the comparative risk profile, i.a. the collected prevalence and growth potential data, recall and outbreak data, and the possibility to apply shelf-life-extending technologies. During the retail survey, the pathogen was not detected in fresh-cut (mixes of) leafy vegetables (0 out of 51 batches), while 1 out of 51 and 6 out of 48 batches were found positive for resp. sliced vegan and vegetarian deli sandwich fillings and multi-ingredient salad bowls. In six out of nine challenge tests, growth of the pathogen was supported (i.e. growth potential ≥ 0.50 log10 CFU/g during shelf-life). A large variation regarding the growth potential was noted both between and within the three studied plant-based RTE food categories. The variation was mainly caused by differences in product composition, shelf-life, applied preservation techniques, physicochemical food characteristics, and present (competitive) microbiota. From the comparative risk profile, it was observed that the listeriosis health risk of the three studied plant-based RTE food types is very similar to the listeriosis health risk associated with most animal-based RTE foods, indicating the need for a higher awareness in the food sector for the potential presence and outgrowth of L. monocytogenes in pre-packed, plant-based RTE foods.

The study was commissioned and financed by the Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment. Its results formed the basis for the position that Belgium has taken in the discussions on the amendment to the Listeria monocytogenes microbiological criterion laid down under Food Category 1.2 in Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs. Currently, the Regulation does not set a specific L. monocytogenes limit for Category 1.2 food that is sampled after it has left the immediate control of the food business operator that produced it, where the food business operator that produced it cannot demonstrate that the limit of 100 cfu/g will not be exceeded throughout the shelf-life. From July 1, 2026, a zero tolerance limit will apply in this case (not detected in 25 g). Given L. monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment, it is a psychrotrophic microorganism and in line with the results of the above mentioned study, the federal public service of health, food chain safety and environment will continue to elaborate clear recommendations to industry and to consumers in order to protect consumers’ health, including the most vulnerable groups.}},
  author       = {{Van Paepeghem, Charlie and De Pauw, Katrien}},
  booktitle    = {{28th Conference on Food Microbiology, Abstracts}},
  keywords     = {{Listeria monocytogenes,ready-to-eat foods,prevalence,growth potential,risk profile,risk management,EU Regulation 2073/2005,food safety criteria}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Brussels, Belgium}},
  title        = {{Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods : new data on risk products, new risk management recommendations, and regulatory developments}},
  url          = {{https://ilvo.vlaanderen.be/uploads/documents/BSFM/VR_04_Van-Papeghem-De-Pauw.pdf}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}