New EU law tightens requirements for Listeria control from 2026
Stricter requirements right up to the expiry date
From 1 July 2026, the rules for Listeria in food will change. If there is no documentation that the Listeria level remains below 100 cfu/g throughout the product’s shelf life, the requirement ‘not detected in 25 grams’ will apply until the expiry date. The rules follow EU Regulation 2024/2895, which amends Appendix I to 2073/2005.
For dairies, this means that Listeria must be kept under control throughout the entire period and not just when leaving the dairy, which requires increased monitoring and documented efforts, especially for soft cheeses and production based on raw milk.
Lalcult Protect LC 1TM helps you meet the requirements
Procudan's partner, Lallemand Speciality Cultures, has a well-documented solution. The protective culture Lalcult Protect LC 1TM effectively inhibits the growth of Listeria in cheese and has already been implemented at various dairies across Europe.
With the new requirements, food companies are responsible right up to the expiry date, even when the products are in the consumer's home.
Incorrect storage can provide Listeria with better growing conditions, but adding the protective culture can act as an extra safeguard, reducing the risk of Listeria developing.
How to prepare
If you need advice on the new legislation and solutions, please contact Account Manager Bent K. Vogensen at bkv@procudan.com.
In collaboration with Lallemand Speciality Cultures, we can help you assess your current setup and find solutions that protect against Listeria throughout the product’s shelf life.
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