This flow chart lists the steps to be followed by operators or Canadian Food Inspection Agency when product is tested for Listeria monocytogenes.
It is recommended to hold the product from sampling day until the results are received.
If the product is negative for Listeria monocytogenes, it is released.
If the product is positive for Listeria monocytogenes, Hold-and-Test procedure on the current production as per Canadian Food Inspection Agency schedule is implemented immediately. Canadian Food Inspection Agency issues a Corrective Action Request. The Operator must submit an acceptable action plan, including a risk management plan for the implicated product to Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The Area Processing Specialist is contacted for Health Risk Assessment of the affected product.
Corrective actions taken by the operator include intensive sanitation and cleaning and review of the appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system.
If product tests positive for Listeria monocytogenes during Hold-and-Test procedure, Hold-and-Test procedure is restarted from the beginning after corrective actions (intensive sanitation and cleaning and review of appropriate sections of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system) have been taken. Area Processing Specialist is contacted for Health Risk Assessment of the affected product.
Product that is on hold and tests negative for Listeria monocytogenes during Hold-and-Test procedure can be released.