Efsa: How can health risks from Listeria contamination in frozen vegetables be reduced

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the risk to public health of listeria contamination in frozen vegetables after hot treatment.

After an assessment, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that there was a lower risk of listeria infection from eating frozen vegetables that had been heated, compared to ready-to-eat foods such as smoked fish, cooked meat, sausages, pies and soft cheeses.

Efsa experts believe that food producers can take control measures to reduce the risk of contamination of frozen vegetables. Efsa also offers advice on how to reduce the risk of contracting listeria at home, such as practicing good hygiene and cooking food according to label instructions.