A new EU regulation will introduce stricter rules on Listeria in ready-to-eat foods from July 1, 2026.
Under the updated legislation, food producers must ensure that no Listeria monocytogenes is detected in 25 grams of ready-to-eat foods that can support its growth – applying throughout the food’s shelf life. This closes a previous gap where no clear limit applied in some cases.
To help businesses prepare, the European Commission has also published updated guidance. The guidance explains how food producers can test, monitor, and prove that their products remain safe throughout their shelf life.
The guidance includes practical advice on:
- Classifying products correctly
- Understanding which safety limits apply
- Deciding when shelf-life testing is needed
- Proving that products stay within safe limits until expiry
In short, food producers will need stronger control measures to meet the new requirements.