Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on a proposal to review existing limits for Listeria monocytogenes in the Food Standards Code.
In a press release, FSANZ CEO Steve McCutcheon said that since the limits were first set, preventative food safety requirements had been introduced and new limits had been established internationally.
"These changes mean it's time for FSANZ to review the limits in the Code to ensure we are providing a nationally consistent approach and where possible, harmonising our standards with those set by international standard-setting bodies," said McCutcheon.
"FSANZ is also exploring what tools would need to be developed to help industry and enforcement agencies apply any new approach."
L. monocytogenes causes the serious illness, listeriosis, in some people. People particularly at risk of listeriosis include pregnant women, their unborn and newborn babies, the elderly, and other people whose immune systems have been weakened by illness or immuno-suppressant drugs.
The review of the limits for L. monocytogenes is the first stage of a broader review of microbiological limits in the Code. The closing date for submissions is November 16, 2012.
