This risk assessment was initiated in February 2002 in response to public comments on the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed rule: Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products [66 FR 12589, February 27, 2001]. Several comments indicated a need for a stronger scientific basis for the proposal to require testing and sanitation of food contact surfaces for Listeria species. This risk assessment was developed to: 1) provide insight into the relationship between Listeria species on food contact surface(s) and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE meat and poultry products; and 2) evaluate the effectiveness of food contact surface testing and sanitation regimes, pre- and post-packaging interventions, growth inhibitors, and combinations of these interventions to mitigate contamination of RTE meat and poultry products and reduce the subsequent risk of illness or death from Listeria monocytogenes.

Model

• View the Model at foodrisk.org