16 September 2009

FOOD SAFETY

Report on the increased incidence of Listeriosis in the UK (14th September 2009)
The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) has, after public consultation, published a report on increased incidence of listeriosis in the UK.

Following reports of an increase in cases of listeria, predominantly in the over-60s age group, the Food Standards Agency sought advice from the ACMSF, an independent scientific advisory committee, on the reasons for this change. Similar increases were also reported in other European countries, including France and Germany.

Recommendations include:
  • studies to investigate differences in virulence of listeria
  • maintaining targeted active surveillance for listeria spp. in foods is important to inform control of this organism
  • information on food consumption patterns of the over 60s (including vulnerable groups) is needed to inform approaches to risk management
  • communicating general food safety advice to the over 60s, as well as to those involved in their care and preparation of their food
Report
News item

No comments: