Recent reports from France shed light on official monitoring efforts targeting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Listeria contamination in food products.
The first report details monitoring plans focused on assessing contamination rates of ground (minced) beef and raw milk cheeses by high-risk STEC strains identified in France. Results from monitoring conducted in 2021 and 2022 revealed relatively low contamination rates of ground beef, consistent with previous findings. In 2021, 579 tests were carried out at the distribution stage and 570 at the production stage, with three positive samples identified—two being E. coli O157 and one E. coli O26. Similarly, in 2022, three positive samples were found, two being E. coli O157 and one E. coli O45.
Contamination rates of raw milk cheeses in 2022, although slightly higher compared to previous assessments, remained relatively low. Out of 476 analyses conducted at the production stage, eight samples tested positive, with six identified as E. coli O26 and one each as E. coli O157 and E. coli O103. Authorities emphasized that the risk of exposure to these foods remains limited but highlighted the isolation of highly pathogenic STEC strains in some samples. Official advice discourages the consumption of raw milk cheeses by children under 5 years of age.
Experts underscored the importance of implementing stringent measures to monitor and control risks in these sectors, including raising consumer awareness about proper cooking and consumption practices as indicated on product labels.
In a separate article published in the epidemiological bulletin by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) and the Directorate General for Food (DGAL), findings from official controls on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) food from 2019 to 2021 were highlighted.
The National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes has been analyzing strains isolated from official controls since 2019, contributing to a better understanding of these strains and associated health risks. Results indicated that strains were divided into four serotypes and 83 clonal complexes (CC), with CC121 and CC9 being predominant. Moreover, 36 genomic clusters were identified, suggesting persistence or reintroduction of Listeria strains over several years.
Surveillance of Listeria included plans from DGAL and control plans from DGCCRF. Notably, the National Reference Laboratory for Listeria received 81 strains in 2019, 57 in 2020, and 45 in 2021 under control plans, and 7 strains in 2019, 19 in 2020, and 25 in 2021 under surveillance plans.
Overall, various clonal complexes were identified across different food categories, emphasizing the need for close collaboration with the Listeria National Reference Center for effective alert management and surveillance of listeriosis cases.
These reports highlight the comprehensive efforts undertaken by French authorities to ensure the safety of food products and the importance of ongoing vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential risks associated with STEC and Listeria contamination.
