FSAI Issues Guidance on Revised EU Listeria Rules for Ready-to-Eat Foods

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published implementation guidance following the application of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, which amends the microbiological criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. The revised rules apply to RTE foods capable of supporting Listeria growth. Under the updated requirements, food business operators may continue to apply the food safety limit of 100 CFU/g throughout shelf life only if they can demonstrate compliance to the competent authority. Where such evidence is unavailable, products must meet the stricter requirement of absence of Listeria monocytogenes in 25 g when placed on the market. FSAI recommends that businesses strengthen Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), maintain HACCP-based food safety systems, conduct microbiological testing, implement environmental monitoring programmes, and use sensitive analytical methods to verify compliance with the revised criteria.