Consultation: Periodic Review of the “Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods” (2011)

Health Canada sought input from stakeholders and interested parties to help inform the periodic review of the "Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods" (2011; the Listeria policy). As part of the review process, Health Canada is examining the latest science and the evolving Canadian food environment. In this consultation, the Department sought ways to improve its guidance to industry and regulatory authorities.

Who was the focus of this consultation

This consultation was intended for:

• Manufacturers and importers of ready-to-eat foods
• Industry and trade associations
• Government/regulatory agencies
• Consumer groups
• Academia and research centres
• Diagnostic laboratories

Input was also welcome from all other interested stakeholders and members of the general public.

Key questions for input

The goal of Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011) is to help the food industry to manufacture and import safer ready-to-eat foods by implementing Listeria control measures.

We sought your input based on the following prompts:

• What are the most useful sections of Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011)?
• How can Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011) be improved to meet your needs?
• Is there any ambiguity in Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011)? How can Health Canada improve its clarity?
• Is there new and relevant research on Listeria monocytogenes and/or ready-to-eat foods that should be taken into consideration in Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011) review?
• What is the biggest challenge you have faced since the implementation of Health Canada’s Listeria policy (2011)?

Information gathered from this questionnaire will be used to inform the scientific basis of the policy revision.

Related information

• Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods (2011)
• Listeriosis (Listeria)
• Validation of Ready-to-Eat Foods for Changing the Classification of a Category 1 into a Category 2A or 2B Food - in relation to Health Canada's Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods (2011)
• Food safety for vulnerable populations

Contact Us

Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 2204D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

E-mail: hc.bmh-bdm.sc@canada.ca
Telephone: 613-957-0880
Fax: 613-954-1198