This flow chart lists the steps to be followed by operators or Canadian Food Inspection Agency when Food Contact Surfaces are tested for Listeria monocytogenes.
It is recommended to hold the product of sampling day pending receipt of results.
If Food Contact Surfaces is negative for both Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes, normal sampling schedule for Food Contact Surfaces is followed.
If Food Contact Surfaces are positive for Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes is confirmed, product is tested according to Appendix 3. Canadian Food Inspection Agency issues a Corrective action request. The operator takes corrective actions including intensive sanitation and cleaning, review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system. Product from the lot produced when Food Contact Surfaces were sampled is tested for Listeria monocytogenes according to Appendix 3. Same Food Contact Surfaces are tested for Listeria monocytogenes within a maximum of 5 working days. It is recommended to hold the product from the sampling day pending the receipt of results. Testing of same Food Contact Surfaces is continued until 3 consecutive satisfactory results for Listeria species including Listeria monocytogenes are obtained.
If Food Contact Surfaces are positive for Listeria species but Listeria monocytogenes is not confirmed, product is released. Canadian Food Inspection Agency issues a Corrective action request. The operator takes corrective actions including intensive sanitation and cleaning, review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system. Same Food Contact Surfaces are tested for Listeria monocytogenes within a maximum of 5 working days. It is recommended to hold the product from the sampling day pending the receipt of results. Testing of same Food Contact Surfaces is continued until 3 consecutive satisfactory results for Listeria species including Listeria monocytogenes are obtained.