The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently announced new measures to enhance oversight of food processing facilities, focusing on Listeria monocytogenes due to recent outbreaks and recalls. Starting in January 2025, the FSIS will broaden Listeria species testing in ready-to-eat products and environments. Oversight improvements include:
- Regular Assessments: Prioritizing Food Safety Assessments at facilities relying on sanitation measures for Listeria control
- Follow-Up Visits: Field supervisors will conduct follow-up visits to ensure compliance and address identified issues
- Weekly Verifications: Inspectors will verify Listeria-related risk factors weekly at ready-to-eat facilities
- Updated Agreements: Clarifying state and federal requirements for consistent oversight of Talmadge-Aiken programs
- Algorithm Updates: Revising establishment-review alert triggers to better identify high-risk facilities
The emphasis is on protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring safe food through science-based regulation and strong enforcement.
You can review the full announcement here.
