 Listeria in FSIS Ready-to-Eat Products Shows Significant Decline The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently released data showing a one year, 25 percent drop in the percentage of positive Listeria monocytogenes samples and a 70 percent decline compared with years prior to the implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. According to the information released, random FSIS samples collected and analyzed between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2003, 0.75 percent tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, compared with 1.03 percent in 2002; 1.32 percent in 2001; 1.45 in 2000; 1.91 in 1999; 2.54 percent in 1998; 2.25 percent in 1997; 2.91 percent in 1996; and 3.02 in 1995. FSIS collects about 7,500 samples a year in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Listeria monocytogenes can be dangerous for pregnant women, very young children and the elderly. In addition to an aggressive sampling program, FSIS examines the testing data generated by plants producing these products and raises awareness through education about the dangers of Listeria monocytogenes, especially among at-risk groups. USDA announced a series of new, science-based initiatives on July 10 to better understand, predict and prevent microbiological contamination of meat and poultry products, thereby improving health outcomes for American families. Those initiatives, which are included in a document entitled “Enhancing Public Health: Strategies for the Future”, can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/programs/vision071003.htm. News releases and other information can be accessed at the FSIS web site www.fsis.usda.gov
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