Update: FSIS Retail Listeria monocytogenes Pilot Project
In January 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) started a multi-year, nationwide pilot project to figure out whether retail delicatessens are using the recommendations given in its Retail Lm Guidance. FSIS tracked progress for this pilot project in the fiscal year (FY) 2021 FSIS Annual Plan and the FY 2017–2021 FSIS Strategic Plan.
FSIS has decided to discontinue its retail Listeria monocytogenes surveillance because its data has now shown that retailers have been consistently following a high percentage of its recommendations. FSIS made this decision as of September 30, 2021. Going forth, FSIS' intention is to broaden its reach by partnering with retail trade associations and state regulatory authorities to assist in the distribution of educational materials for this initiative.