Current criteria for food safety regarding Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in ready-to-eat foods have been in place since 2006 (Commission Regulation (EC) 2073/2005). From July 1, 2026, these requirements will become even stricter. There is increasing focus on L.monocytogenes as a problem, since the number of listeriosis cases has not actually decreased. Contamination of products with L.monocytogenes occurs during food processing due to cross-contamination in the production process.

Although accredited analyses are no longer new, accredited environmental sampling is a new service on the market.

The most significant proportion of samples delivered from the customer to the laboratory are environmental samples, and often the number of environmental samples can exceed the number of product samples. Environmental samples are part of the producer’s internal control and risk assessment program to maintain good hygiene and food safety during production. ISO 18593 provides guidelines for how this process should be carried out. Sampling procedures and equipment, as well as handling of samples before analysis, can have a significant impact on the results.

Note! When a laboratory analyzes a sample, the reported results can only reflect the sample as it was received by the laboratory. The laboratory does not take responsibility for any uncertainty related to sampling methods or the handling of the sample prior to its arrival at the laboratory.

The laboratory therefore cannot take responsibility for, or declare, that the result is representative beyond the analyzed sample. This responsibility always lies with the responsible producer.

SOLUTION! An accredited sampling method ensures that all requirements specified in the methods are followed, thereby guaranteeing increased representativeness. Accredited sampling therefore means that the suitability, integrity, and safety of the samples are safeguarded in the best possible way. In addition, it ensures that all relevant requirements are considered to reduce uncertainty throughout the entire chain from sampling to analysis. Independent accredited sampling therefore represents an opportunity to document compliance with food hygiene and food safety requirements – with the highest possible degree of credibility.