Application of EC regulation no. 2073/2005 regarding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods in retail and catering sectors in Europe

This paper covers the key elements regarding the risks factors for Listeria monocytogenes causing listeriosis in food prepared in the retail and catering sectors in Europe. This article specifically considers the application of L. monocytogenes criteria in ready-to-eat foods to these sectors, and presents guarantee prevention measures applicable to these sectors. The current approach will have to be integrated in to the 2009 Codex international standard for L. monocytogenes in RTE foods.