118. The Delegation of Germany introduced the discussion paper and recalled that the issue on various aspects of control of Listeria monocytogenes had been on the Agenda of this Committee since its 23rd Session. The Delegation drew the attention of the Committee to the structure of the document which included elements of risk assessment and control measures and pointed out that the levels of tolerance allowed in member countries for Listeria in foods ranged from zero in ready to eat foods to low levels in foods that did not support its growth. Analyses accompanying epidemiological investigations indicated that listeriosis was associated with consumption of foods with elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes. The Delegation indicated that it was intended to give guidelines for the management of Listeria in foods in trade, based on considerations of risk assessment and risk management options.
119. The Committee expressed its appreciation to the Delegation of Germany for the development of the document and generally recognized that the Committee should continue working on this public health issue. The Delegation of the United States suggested that the ad hoc FAO/WHO Expert Consultation address this issue as there was a need for complete risk assessment data before considering control measures in the Committee.
120. The Delegation of Denmark, supported by some other delegations and the Observer of ICMSF was of the opinion that the document should be further developed in the Step procedure. It was stated that even low levels of Listeria monocytogenes could be problematic for susceptible populations like elderly and infants, especially when malnutrition among them reached 60% as pointed out by the Delegation of Panama. The Delegations of Italy and Austria supported “zero-tolerance” for ready to eat foods. The Observer from ALA (Latin America Aviculture Association) indicated that requirements should not introduce any discrimination between imported and national products and that equivalence should be sought in ensuring food safety.
121. The Committee agreed to proceed with the elaboration of the document in two directions, as suggested by the Representatives of FAO and WHO, and supported by several countries: the matter would be referred to the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on risk assessment and the Delegation of Germany would prepare the Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Foods in accordance with the Principles and Guidelines for the conduct of Microbiological Risk assessment for circulation at Step 3 and for consideration by the next session of the Committee. Member countries and interested international organizations were invited to submit their comments and proposals on this subject to the Head of the German Delegation by 15 February 2000.
