Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a foodborne pathogen that has recently had a resurgence of attention due to several listeriosis outbreaks and food product recalls. Lm is particularly troublesome due to its ability to survive in the food processing environment and grow at refrigeration temperatures. Thus, even though a food product may be refrigerated, it is not uncommon for Lm numbers to increase by 10- or 100-fold over the shelf life of a food product if allowed to grow unabated. This is especially true for products like ready-to-eat meats, many of which are high risk for Lm contamination due to their exposure to the food processing environment and ability to support Lm growth. As a result, it is common for ready-to-eat meat manufacturers to utilize antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial processes, and post-lethality treatments as control measures for Lm. However, manufacturers must have strong validation data to support the efficacy of these Lm control measures (and claim status as an Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 process about 9 CFR 430).

This is where challenge studies come in. Challenge studies are carefully designed scientific procedures conducted in a laboratory, whereby products are "challenged" with Lm contamination to see how the product performs regarding Lm control. Based on the findings of the challenge study, the manufacturer may find that their product meets expectations concerning controlling Lm, or additional control measures may be necessary to prevent Lm outgrowth. Thus, challenge study data is often extremely valuable to food manufacturers as they assess their needs for imparting proper Lm controls.

This webinar will educate you on all aspects of challenge studies, from their purpose to how they are conducted at the laboratory, what data you can expect to see, and how to interpret the findings. It will also include a real-life testimonial from a food manufacturer who has had to use challenge study data to defend their company's processes. With increased scrutiny from regulators on Lm controls, this is a must-view webinar to learn how challenge studies can be a critical component of your establishment's overall Lm control plan.

The Meat Industry Food Safety Conference brings together food safety professionals across the industry, creating opportunities to openly share experiences and best practices that contribute to addressing the meat industry's most pressing challenges. From the latest scientific findings on foodborne pathogens and evolving food safety regulations and guidance documents to emerging threats, this event will inspire new innovative approaches to your food safety challenges and provide actionable and practical solutions to advancing your food safety programs. 

Who Should Attend: Professionals in food safety and quality, technical sales, compliance, regulatory affairs, science and innovation, microbiology, research and business development.

We are thrilled to announce the reimagined Protein PACT Solutions Summit, formerly known as the Protein PACT Summit. This is the premier event where the efforts you make in your operation meet with the entire meat value chain to address the multitude of sustainability, supply chain management, animal welfare, food safety, and consumer trust challenges. This is not just a conference with endless speeches; it's a reimagined platform where industry leaders can come to benchmark their strategies, where innovators collaborate to find solutions, and where we all partner on pre-competitive action. Attend to discover how forward-thinking companies are future-proofing their business and leave with practical insights to help your organization reach its goals.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: CEOs, COOs, sustainability, FSQA, animal welfare, legal and supply chain executives.

RTE manufacturers face the constant challenge of controlling Listeria monocytogenes to produce safes products. This intimate workshop provides a comprehensive understanding of Listeria control, sanitation, sanitary design, environmental monitoring, investigations, corrective actions, and critical information to effectively navigate regulatory issues and standards. Attendees will engage in hands-on exercises, including a critical thinking exercise focused on ‘seek and destroy’ scenarios. This unique learning experience provides valuable insights and actionable takeaways that can be directly applied to your plants with take-home action items for continuous improvement. Seats are limited, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the workshop.

Who Should Attend: Professionals in food safety and quality, technical services, production, sanitation, HACCP, regulatory affairs, microbiology, maintenance, engineering, research development and operations.

IPPE is the world’s largest annual display of technology, equipment, supplies, and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat, and poultry and those involved in feed manufacturing.

Who Should Attend: C-level executives, professionals in sales and marketing, production and processing, maintenance, food safety and quality, research and academia.