Reports said the protocols include:
- Mandatory testing of plant surfaces such as countertops and meat slicers, as well as non-contact surfaces such as drains and ceilings by company staff. Testing frequency will vary by production levels.
- Testing (mandatory) - of ready-to-eat meat products by CFIA inspectors at least three times annually.
- When plant surface testing yields two subsequent positives, food must be quarantined and tested for listeria.
- A rule requiring companies to report a trend of positive listeria findings to government inspectors, which had been dropped in April this year, will be brought back in.
A CFIA spokesman has stated that the protocols have not been finalised and there is no set implementation date as yet.
