Listeria Recalls on the Rise in 2024
The recent surge in food recalls and outbreaks linked to Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) has sparked significant concern among consumers and health authorities alike. Just in the last few months, we have seen an array of foods from major brand sellers affected by Lm contamination including: chicken taco kits, torta sandwiches, street corn bites, salad kits, soy bean sprouts, spinach salad, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, dressings, bean dip, enchiladas, enoki mushrooms, peaches, nectarines, plums, ice cream, gelato, ice cream bars, spinach, bean sprouts, raw milk cheese, deli salads, puppy and kitty mixes, soft serve and sorbet, kiwifruit, cooked lobster, and collard greens.
The widespread nature of these recalls underscores the challenges faced by food companies in preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of their products. With each new incident, there is a growing urgency to implement stricter measures throughout the food production and distribution chain to mitigate the risk of Lm contamination and safeguard public health. Food companies are urged to implement the most scientific sanitation practices to prevent Lm.
If you are a food manufacturer, you can assure that your quality control and sanitation staff are trained to keep your products contamination-free by taking advantage of IFPTI’s “Listeria Control Specialist” certificate program. This 5-course program, in English or Spanish, can be obtained at no charge in some cases - contact IFPTI for special instructions for eligible food companies.
The Listeria Control Specialist certificate program is designed for food safety management in food manufacturing facilities whose responsibilities include preparation, production, packing, and warehousing.
Participants who complete the five course certificate program will be formally recognized as an expert, designated to control Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) within their facilities. Others who may benefit from participating in these courses include regulatory officials, sanitation and quality professionals, construction and maintenance contractors, or anyone who would like to learn how to control Lm in food manufacturing facilities.
Includes all five courses: Good Manufacturing Practices, Hygienic Zoning, Hygienic Facility and Equipment Design, Sanitation Controls, and Environmental Monitoring.
El programa de Especialista en Control de Listeria está diseñado para la gestión de certificados de seguridad alimentaria en instalaciones de fabricación de alimentos cuyas responsabilidades incluyen la preparación, producción, envasado y almacenamiento.
Los participantes que completen el programa de certificación de cinco cursos serán reconocidos formalmente como expertos, designados para controlar Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) dentro de sus instalaciones. Otros que pueden beneficiarse de participar en estos cursos incluyen funcionarios reguladores, profesionales de sanidad y calidad, contratistas de construcción y mantenimiento, o cualquier persona que desee aprender a controlar Lm en las instalaciones de fabricación de alimentos.
El Especialista en Control de Listeria paquete incluye los siguientes cinco cursos: BPMs, Zonificación higiénica, Diseño higiénico de instalaciones y equipos, Controles de saneamiento y Monitoreo ambiental.