FDA and FSIS joint report focuses on Listeria risk in retail delis

FDA and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a major joint study on Listeria monocytogenes in retail delicatessans. It provides a scientific assessment of the risk of foodborne illness associated with certain ready-to-eat (RTE) products commonly sold in delis. Cross contamination in the deli environment is thought to contribute to Listeria contamination, but officials knew little about the pathogen's transfer in a retail setting. The report recommends adequate preventive controls be put in place to protect against Listeria contamination. Check it out here.