Using a quantitative risk assessment to mitigate risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats in Australia

To provide guidance to Australia meat processors a Monte Carlo simulation model that estimates the risk of listeriosis from processed meats in Australia [Ross, T., Rasmussen, S. R., Fazil, A., Paoli, G., & Sumner, J. (accepted for publication). Quantitative risk assessment of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats in Australia. International Journal of Food Microbiology] was used to assess the efficacy of alternative strategies proposed to reduce the risk of listeriosis from these products. The structure of the model enabled estimates of levels of Listeria monocytogenes throughout the predicted life of the product, and facilitated modelling of the proposed mitigations. Technological and economic constraints relevant to the Australian industry meant that, of the various proposed risk reduction strategies, the use of growth-rate retarding additives, such as salts of organic acids, were identified as the preferred risk mitigation option.