The number of recalls due to Listeria monocytogenes has increased sharply over the past year. According to reports from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) the number of reports rose from four to fourteen within twelve months.
For producers this means one thing: food safety is under closer scrutiny than ever.
Where Listeria contaminations previously seemed incidental, recent figures show that structural control within production environments is crucial. Margins are shrinking, inspections are more intensive and reputational damage from recalls is greater.
What is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria is a bacterium that occurs naturally in soil, water and vegetation. Of the different species, Listeria monocytogenes is the variant that can cause illness in humans.
The bacterium can lead to listeriosis. Symptoms range from mild flu-like complaints to serious infections. Especially risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems