New Listeria Criteria for Ready-to-Eat Foods: EU Regulation 2024/2895

Listeria monocytogenes remains one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, particularly in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, which require strict microbiological control. Recognizing the growing number of listeriosis cases in Europe, the European Commission has introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, amending Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 to tighten safety requirements for food business operators (FBOs).

This new regulation, published on November 20, 2024, and enforceable from July 1, 2026, establishes more stringent microbiological criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods, ensuring that food safety standards remain robust across the EU market.

But what exactly changes under this new regulation? How will it impact food producers, suppliers, and retailers? This article breaks down everything you need to know about EU Regulation 2024/2895, its implications, and what food businesses must do to comply.

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Why Is the EU Strengthening Listeria Regulations?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been closely monitoring listeriosis cases, and the data is alarming. According to EFSA’s latest zoonosis report, the number of listeriosis cases increased by 15.9% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Additionally, foodborne outbreaks linked to Listeria monocytogenes resulted in one of the highest fatality rates recorded in the past decade.

This upward trend indicates that current microbiological safety measures may not be sufficient, particularly for high-risk RTE foods, which support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.

Key Reasons Behind the Stricter Listeria Rules:

1. Increased Listeriosis Cases – Rising incidence and mortality rates have raised public health concerns.
2. Growth Potential of Listeria in RTE Foods – Many RTE foods support Listeria growth, making contamination a serious risk.
3. Gaps in the Previous Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 – The previous regulation did not fully address post-production contamination risks, leading to new measures ensuring protection throughout the entire food chain.
4. Strengthening Consumer Safety – Vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, face higher risks from Listeria, necessitating tighter control measures.

With EU Regulation 2024/2895, the European Commission aims to reduce the incidence of listeriosis by enforcing stronger food safety criteria across all RTE food categories.

Key Changes Introduced by EU Regulation 2024/2895

1. New Microbiological Limits for Listeria in RTE Foods

Under the updated regulation:

• RTE foods that support Listeria growth must not contain detectable levels (0 cfu/25g) at any point during their shelf life—unless the producer can scientifically prove that Listeria levels will remain below 100 cfu/g throughout storage.
• For food producers who cannot demonstrate this, a stricter 0 cfu/25g limit applies, regardless of storage duration.
• These criteria now apply throughout the food supply chain, including retail, distribution, and post-production handling.

2. Extension of Compliance Scope

Previously, Listeria controls focused mainly on the production stage. Under the new regulation, the microbiological safety criteria apply throughout the shelf-life of the product, including:

• Processing & Manufacturing
• Storage & Distribution
• Retail & Consumer Sales

This end-to-end safety requirement ensures that Listeria risks are minimized from production to final consumption.

3. Stricter Compliance for High-Risk Foods

Not all RTE foods pose equal risks for Listeria monocytogenes. The regulation specifically targets foods that support bacterial growth, such as:

• Deli meats & cured meats (ham, pâté, smoked meats)
• Soft cheeses (brie, feta, camembert)
• Seafood products (smoked salmon, ready-to-eat shellfish)
• Pre-cut fresh produce (salads, fruit cups, pre-packaged vegetables)

For these categories, businesses must provide scientific evidence (e.g., challenge studies, predictive modeling) to prove that Listeria levels will not exceed 100 cfu/g throughout the product’s shelf-life.

4. Improved Enforcement & Traceability

The new regulation strengthens enforcement by requiring FBOs to:

• Conduct routine microbial testing and document Listeria control measures.
• Ensure supplier compliance, especially for imported ingredients used in RTE foods.
• Implement corrective actions when Listeria monocytogenes is detected at any stage of distribution.

This change will increase accountability across the food supply chain, ensuring safer products for consumers.

How Will Food Businesses Be Impacted?

Food businesses—including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and food service operators—must immediately assess how these stricter microbiological criteria will impact their operations.

Key Compliance Steps for Food Businesses:

• Review Food Safety Plans – Ensure that HACCP plans align with the new Listeria criteria.
• Enhance Product Testing – Increase microbial testing and shelf-life validation studies.
• Conduct Risk Assessments – Determine which RTE products require stricter Listeria controls.
• Improve Supplier Verification – Strengthen traceability systems to ensure supplier compliance.
• Train Food Safety Teams – Educate staff on new microbiological testing protocols and Listeria prevention.

With the July 1, 2026 deadline approaching, businesses must act now to adapt to these regulatory changes and avoid compliance risks.

Industry & Regulatory Reactions

EU Food Safety Authorities

Regulatory agencies across Europe have welcomed the amendment, stating that stronger Listeria controls will reduce foodborne illness cases and ensure a harmonized safety standard across EU member states.

Food Industry Response

Many large food producers support the new regulation, as it provides clearer compliance guidelines. However, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) may face challenges in meeting stricter microbiological testing requirements.

Industry experts recommend that SMEs start preparing now to avoid supply chain disruptions and regulatory penalties when the enforcement date arrives.

Final Thoughts

EU Regulation 2024/2895 marks a major step forward in strengthening food safety criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods.

By requiring stricter microbiological limits, extending safety criteria across the supply chain, and increasing accountability, the regulation aims to reduce listeriosis risks and enhance consumer protection.

With the 2026 deadline approaching, food businesses must take immediate action to update testing protocols, supplier verification processes, and risk management strategies.

For those in the RTE food sector, compliance will not only be a regulatory necessity—it will be a competitive advantage in an industry where food safety and consumer trust are paramount.

🔗 Official Regulation: EUR-Lex – EU Regulation 2024/2895