Brussels, Belgium — The European Commission has adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, revising microbiological standards for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods under Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005.
The amendment applies to RTE foods that are capable of supporting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, while excluding infant foods and foods for special medical purposes, which are already subject to stricter safety requirements.
The update follows a 15.9% increase in listeriosis cases in the EU in 2022 compared to 2021, with deaths among the highest reported in the past decade. The pathogen presents a high fatality risk, particularly for elderly individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons.
Scientific evidence indicates that Listeria monocytogenes becomes a health concern when levels exceed 100 cfu/g. Previously, the “absence in 25 g” requirement applied only before products left the producer’s control, unless operators demonstrated that levels would remain ≤100 cfu/g throughout shelf life. No equivalent requirement consistently applied once products entered distribution.
The new regulation extends the “not detected in 25 g” criterion to products placed on the market during their entire shelf life, unless food business operators (FBOs) can scientifically prove that levels will remain ≤100 cfu/g. The regulation becomes mandatory across all EU Member States from July 1, 2026.
Microbiological Criteria Table
Compliance Outcome
- If FBO cannot prove ≤100 cfu/g throughout shelf life:
- Satisfactory: Listeria not detected in any sample
- Unsatisfactory: Listeria detected in at least one sample
Key Highlights
- EU adopts Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 updating Listeria criteria for RTE foods.
- Extends “not detected in 25 g” requirement across full shelf life unless ≤100 cfu/g is proven.
- Applies to RTE foods capable of supporting Listeria growth.
- Mandatory from July 1, 2026 across EU Member States.
- Aims to address rising listeriosis cases and strengthen consumer protection.
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