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Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
Circular relating to Listeria monocytogenes in cheese
farm produce
1. Objective
The purpose of this circular is to inform operators in the “milk processing at the
firm ”of what is acceptable to the Agency in applying the microbiological criterion for
Listeria monocytogenes , listed in Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005, and in particular for
cheese made from raw milk and heat-treated milk produced on the farm. It follows the advice of
AFSCA Scientific Committee (Cfr 3.2). These opinions were given based in particular on
results of studies implemented by the Agency. These studies, funded by the FASFC, were carried out
to support operators in the “milk processing on the farm” sector. They aim to
determine whether or not their products allow the growth of Listeria monocytogenes or not and
on the other hand, if growth is possible, if the limit of 100 cfu / g can be applied
during self-checking
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