This flow chart lists the steps to be followed by operators when Food Contact Surfaces are tested for Listeria species.
If Food Contact Surfaces testing is negative for Listeria species on Test 1, normal sampling schedule for Food Contact Surfaces is followed.
If Food Contact Surfaces testing is positive for Listeria species on Test 1, operators are required to take corrective actions (intensive sanitation and cleaning and review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system) and perform follow up test for Listeria monocytogenes (Test 2) as soon as possible within a maximum of 5 working days.
Test 2 is conducted on same Food Contact Surfaces site(s) as Test 1 and it is recommended to hold the product pending receipt of results.
If Test 2 is positive for Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes, a corrective action request is issued and operators are required to conduct intensive sanitation and cleaning including review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system. Same Food Contact Surfaces is tested within a maximum of 5 working days. In addition, the product from the lot produced when Food Contact Surfaces were sampled for Test 2 and are tested for Listeria monocytogenes according to Appendix 3.
If Test 2 is negative for Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes, product is released.
Testing on same Food Contact Surfaces which tested positive for Listeria species in Test 1 and/or Test 2 continues until 3 consecutive negative results for Listeria species, including Listeria monocytogenes are obtained.