This episode of Food Safety Five discusses several developments regarding Listeria control in food processing facilities, including updated USDA guidelines on testing for the pathogen in ready-to-eat (RTE) environments, reflecting changes made after the fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to Boar’s Head in 2024, as well as an update on the status of the Boar’s Head facility involved in that outbreak. Also discussed is a real-world Listeria monocytogenes “Seek and Destroy” success story from a Norwegian cold-smoked salmon producer. 

News Articles:

• USDA Updates Guidance to Reflect Expanded Listeria Oversight in RTE Facilities
• Boar’s Head Reopens Production Facility Behind Fatal Listeriosis Outbreak
• Experts Share Lessons from a Successful Listeria ‘Seek and Destroy’ Process