Abstract
Vacuum-packaged cold-salted and cold-smoked fish products are considered typical vehicles for Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of the food-borne disease listeriosis, which is increasingly prevalent in the European Union. Efficacy of both the fish processing plant self-checking system and official food control conducted by authorities are crucial for L. monocytogenes prevention in the processing of these risky products. However, the impact of official control on L. monocytogenes prevention in the processing of fish products has not been extensively studied. We investigated the occurrence, control measures, and correction of non-compliances predisposing to L. monocytogenes in Finnish fish processing plants. The following features were associated with L. monocytogenes occurrence: (a) frequency of non-compliances concerning processing machinery, (b) recurrence of non-compliances, and (c) frequency of non-compliances for which official control measures were requested by inspecting authorities. Official control of fish processing plants had focused on risky areas, but non-compliances were common and their correction exhibited deficiencies. We conclude that L. monocytogenes prevention in fish processing can be enhanced by strengthening official food control measures and processing plant compliance. In particular, timely correction of all food safety violations must be improved.
Highlights
Vacuum-packaged cold-salted and cold-smoked fish products are considered typical vehicles for Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of the food-borne disease listeriosis, which is increasingly prevalent in the European Union
In 2011–2013, L. monocytogenes had occurred in the products or facilities of 9/21 fish-processing plants (FPPs) (A – I, Table 1), which were classified “listeria-positive”
FPPs A–C suffered from a continuous listeria problem, where L. monocytogenes was repeatedly found in products and on food contact surfaces from several rooms and processing machines
Summary
Vacuum-packaged cold-salted and cold-smoked fish products are considered typical vehicles for Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of the food-borne disease listeriosis, which is increasingly prevalent in the European Union. Efficacy of both the fish processing plant self-checking system and official food control conducted by authorities are crucial for L. monocytogenes prevention in the processing of these risky products. Control measures, and correction of non-compliances predisposing to L. monocytogenes in Finnish fish processing plants. We conclude that L. monocytogenes prevention in fish processing can be enhanced by strengthening official food control measures and processing plant compliance. The entire food safety field is overseen by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira) working under the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
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