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.
