More work is required to understand the sampling and testing regimes used by manufacturers, particularly small-to-medium sized businesses, of ready-to-eat foods and their approaches to controlling listeria in the food supply chain.
Researchers will be required to conduct a comprehensive review of current practices in the management of L. monocytogenes used by manufacturers in the cooked sliced meat sector, identifying key risk areas in the whole processing chain and potential gaps in their management.
Applications should be submitted online, using our electronic procurement system, by 5pm on Wednesday 11 July 2012.
The FSA’s Foodborne Disease Strategy for 2010 to 2015 identifies Listeria monocytogenes as a priority for action, as it is the leading cause of death from foodborne disease. Therefore, finding ways to reduce exposure of vulnerable consumers to listeria in ready-to-eat foods remains important.
