USDA and FDA are holding public meetings on the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in retail delis. Dr. Hilary Thesmar, vice president of food safety programs at the Food Marketing Institute, will discuss the retail industry’s efforts at Listeria prevention, including the development of a Listeria defense plan based on scientific findings.

“FMI welcomed the opportunity to work with USDA and FDA on this risk assessment, and we hope that this inclusive model will be adopted in the future,” said Thesmar. “The food retail industry has expertise to contribute, and we hope that by including all stakeholders early in the process, we will have a stronger and higher quality risk assessment model when it is complete.”