Update on the Implementation of Health Canada's "Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods"

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January 27/2012

To: All Federally Registered Fish Establishments and Importers of Fish Products

Subject: CFIA Fish Program Update on the Implementation of Health Canada's "Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods"

Further to the Industry Notice dated April 26, 2011, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like to inform domestic processors and importers that the following updated guidance documents for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are now available on the CFIA website:

• Guidelines on the Control Measures for Preventing the Contamination and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes (Appendix I of the QMP Reference Standard in the Facilities Inspection Manual)
• Guidelines for the Development of an Environmental Sampling Program (Appendix J of the QMP Reference Standard in the Facilities Inspection Manual)
• Regulatory Standard - Process Control Document Requirements
• Guide - Process Control Technical Information

It is important that domestic processors and importers of RTE seafood products continue to take measures to ensure products are in compliance with the updated bacteriological guidelines and the updated Listeria Policy (2011).

The CFIA has updated its inspection activities in relation to RTE foods including fish to reflect the recommended food safety practices in the Listeria Policy (2011). Continued CFIA compliance verification activities for fish products are occurring for imports (through product inspection, assessment of process controls and importer audits) and domestic establishments (on-sight inspections which may include sampling of products and/or food contact surfaces).

The CFIA will be available to meet with industry in the coming months to discuss the implementation of these guidelines as well as efforts by domestic establishments to develop and implement environmental sampling programs.

Please contact your CFIA area or regional program specialist if you have any questions or require additional information.

Sincerely,

Terence McRae
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency