The USDA–FSIS announced several new steps to strengthen the agency’s oversight of food processing facilities it regulates (meat, poultry, and egg products) and ensure safe food. Over the past several months, Listeria monocytogenes has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks and large-scale recalls of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. As a result, the FSIS has announced several improvements and initiatives that can be implemented quickly. FSIS will initiate the following changes in the next 30 days: Enhancing FSIS’ Regulatory and Sampling Approach to Listeria. Effective January 2025, FSIS will add broader Listeria species testing to all samples of ready-to-eat products environmental and food contact surfaces. FSIS will leverage the expertise of its National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). FSIS will update its instructions and training for food safety inspectors to equip the workforce to recognize and highlight systemic problems in a standardized way. FSIS inspectors will verify specific Listeria monocytogenes-related risk factors at ready-to-eat facilities weekly. Through updated cooperative agreements, FSIS will set specific requirements, including clear expectations for oversight, enforcing federal food safety laws, and enhanced regular coordination with FSIS. The actions are intended to strengthen FSIS’ inspection and oversight by enhancing its ability to proactively identify and respond to systemic problems that could lead to outbreaks. @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/fsis-announces-stronger-measures-protect-public-listeria
