Environmental Monitoring

The Regulation requires two types of food business operator to take samples from processing areas and equipment used in food production (environmental monitoring):

1. Manufacturers of dried infant formulae or dried foods for special medical purpose intended for infants below six months which pose a Cronobacter spp. risk must monitor for Enterobacteriaceae
2. Manufacturers of ready-to-eat foods which may pose a Listeria monocytogenes risk for public health must monitor for L. monocytogenes 

The following guidance on conducting environmental monitoring for L. monocytogenes is available:

1. Guidelines on sampling the food processing area and equipment for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes (EU 2012) 
2. The Control and Management of Listeria monocytogenes Contamination of Food(FSAI 2005)
    

Last reviewed: 19/11/2014