This flow chart lists the steps to be followed when Food Contact Surfaces used for Category 1 products are tested for Listeria species.
If Food Contact Surfaces is negative for Listeria species (Test 1), the normal sampling schedule for Food Contact Surfaces is followed.
If Food Contact Surfaces is positive for Listeria species (Test 1), the operator takes corrective actions including intensive sanitation and cleaning and review of appropriate sections of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system. The same Food Contact Surfaces is tested for Listeria monocytogenes within a maximum of 5 working days (Test 2). It is recommended to hold the product from the sampling day pending the receipt of results.
If Food Contact Surfaces Test 2 is negative for Listeria species, the product may be released. Food Contact Surfaces testing continues until three consecutive negative results are obtained for Listeria species.
If Food Contact Surfaces Test 2 is positive for any Listeria species, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issues a Corrective Action Request, the operator takes corrective actions including intensive sanitation and cleaning and review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system and product from the lot produced when Food Contact Surfaces Test 2 was sampled as follow up is tested for Listeria monocytogenes according to Appendix 4. The same Food Contact Surfaces is tested for Listeria species three times in the next ten production days. It is recommended to hold the product from the sampling day pending the receipt of results. Testing of the same Food Contact Surfaces is continued until 3 consecutive satisfactory results for Listeria species including Listeria monocytogenes are obtained. Any follow up test positive for Listeria species will trigger product testing from the same lot according to Appendix 4.