Environmental sampling, particularly for RTE foods that support the growth of L. monocytogenes, should be part of this preventative approach. Sector specific guidance and requirements has been developed by state and territory enforcement agencies. Phase-in period Australian seafood industry It is proposed that amendments to Standard 1.6.1 would come into effect on One submitter stated that if limits were association gazettal. Industry is already required to produce safe and suitable food included in Standard 1.6.1 for L. (including with respect to L. monocytogenes) and limits for L. monocytogenes on the basis of whether monocytogenes already apply to a number of foods. the food is ready-to-eat and can or cannot support growth, a significant phase in period of up to 18 months would be required to enable industry to meet the new standard. Method of analysis New Zealand industry The amendment to Standard 1.6.1 includes reference to the most recent Two submissions supported the need to associations and New Zealand standard methods of analysis. This reference can be routinely updated ensure that appropriate, valid methods independent scientific when changes occur. are used for regulatory purpose analysis. organisation The methods referenced (including validated equivalent methods) must be One submitter stated specific methodology used when testing a lot of food for the purposes of Standard 1.6.1(e.g. should be nominated by specific compliance). It would be expected that other methods (including rapid laboratories. methods) could also be used by industry as part of their sampling and testing program (including for environmental monitoring). Another submitter suggested whilst the Standard 1.6.1 in the Code should not prescribe method of analysis, appropriate approval criteria for method selection be included in the Standard
Environmental sampling, particularly for RTE foods that support the growth of L. monocytogenes, should be part of this preventative approach. Sector specific guidance and requirements has been developed by state and territory enforcement agencies. Phase-in period One submitter stated that if limits were included in Standard 1.6.1 for L. monocytogenes on the basis of whether the food is ready-to-eat and can or cannot support growth, a significant phase in period of up to 18 months would be required to enable industry to meet the new standard. Australian seafood industry association It is proposed that amendments to Standard 1.6.1 would come into effect on gazettal. Industry is already required to produce safe and suitable food (including with respect to L. monocytogenes) and limits for L. monocytogenes already apply to a number of foods. Method of analysis Two submissions supported the need to ensure that appropriate, valid methods are used for regulatory purpose analysis. One submitter stated specific methodology should be nominated by specific laboratories. Another submitter suggested whilst the Standard 1.6.1 in the Code should not prescribe method of analysis, appropriate approval criteria for method selection be included in the Standard New Zealand industry associations and New Zealand independent scientific organisation The amendment to Standard 1.6.1 includes reference to the most recent standard methods of analysis. This reference can be routinely updated when changes occur. The methods referenced (including validated equivalent methods) must be used when testing a lot of food for the purposes of Standard 1.6.1(e.g. compliance). It would be expected that other methods (including rapid methods) could also be used by industry as part of their sampling and testing program (including for environmental monitoring).
P1017-ListeriaMicro-2CFS.docx