This good practice guidance has been specifically developed for manufacturers and retailers of RTE foods that may support growth of L. monocytogenes, with the exception of foods intended for infants or for special medical purposes, for Competent Authorities and enforcement officers seeking a practical reference for inspection and enforcement and supply chain partners and trade associations advising members on compliance with microbiological criteria and evolving regulatory requirements.

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Developed in direct response to questions and concerns the guidance is designed to be easy to apply, comprising a range of practical resources and case studies:

• Decision tree to determine applicability of the guidance.
• Tables summarising microbiological criteria and the amended criterion 1.2b applicable in certain circumstances from 1 July 2026 in the EU and other jurisdictions applying EU law, e.g. Northern Ireland.
• Requirements for the safe manufacture of RTE foods.
• Checklist for purchasing RTE ingredients.
• Environmental monitoring programme design and usage.
• Detailed approaches to establishing and justifying shelf life (physicochemical data, scientific and historical data, experimental studies).
• Usage and limitations of predictive modelling, durability and challenge testing
• Worked shelf life examples (e.g., cheese and sandwich scenarios).
• Worked examples showing usage and limitations of predictive modelling.
• Example historical data types to be collated by FBOs in support of food safety assurance and shelf life.
• Q&A addressing common operational questions and enforcement scenarios.

James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy, Food Standards Agency and Garry Mournian, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Food Standards Scotland

"We welcome this updated industry-led guidance, which provides practical advice to help food businesses manage the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. Assuring food safety through robust HACCP systems, good hygiene practices, and evidence-based shelf-life determination is essential to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable groups. This guidance will support manufacturers, retailers, and enforcement officers in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of food safety."  

Publication Date 12/1/26

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