Consultation: Draft revised Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods

Health Canada is reviewing its "Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods" (the Listeria policy). In November 2020, as part of Health Canada's first engagement activity, stakeholders and interested parties were invited to provide input on the clarity, effectiveness and challenges related to the Listeria policy. This information along with the latest science served as the basis for the review of the policy.

Health Canada is now seeking feedback on the draft revised Listeria policy. The underlying principles of the Listeria policy remain unchanged:

• Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are categorized based on their potential to support Listeria monocytogenes growth
• Focus is given to environmental control and monitoring
• Sampling guidelines for environmental monitoring are risk-based

Changes to the Listeria policy include:

• Improved readability and clarification of concepts, including the Listeria policy's legislative context, the RTE foods definition, RTE food categorization and situations for which the Listeria policy does not apply
• More detail provided on RTE foods specifically produced for consumption by vulnerable populations
• Reflection of the current outcome-based regulatory landscape for domestic manufacturers, importers and exporters of RTE foods

Your feedback will help the Listeria policy:

• Be adapted to the Canadian food environment
• To be clear, effective and predictable

How to participate

• Send an email to bmh-bdm@hc-sc.gc.ca to request the document. Please use the words "Document request: Draft revised Listeria policy" in the subject line of your e-mail.
• Read the draft revised Listeria policy.
• Submit comments by mail or electronically to bmh-bdm@hc-sc.gc.ca. Please use the words "Feedback: Draft revised Listeria policy" in the subject line of your e-mail.

We welcome your feedback until April 12, 2022.

Who is the focus of this consultation

This consultation is intended for:

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

Comments from all other interested stakeholders and members of the general public are also welcomed.

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)

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this consultation or this periodic review, contact us at: bmh-bdm@hc-sc.gc.ca. Please use the words "Inquiry: Draft revised Listeria policy" in the subject line of your e-mail.

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

E-mail: bmh-bdm@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-957-0880