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06.11.2023 - Foods

Changes in DGHM recommendations for Listeria monocytogenes and new recommendations

Below, we would like to point out the latest updates of the DGHM recommendations. Please also pay close attention to the changes related to the criteria for Listeria monocytogenes (see below). 

For numerous product groups of foods, the "Standing Committee on Microbiological Guideline and Warning Values for Foods of the DGHM e.V." (German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology e.V.) publishes guideline and warning values for the assessment of microbiological examination results. These criteria are intended to assist in assessing the hygienic-microbiological quality of foods. Unlike the legal criteria of Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foods, the DGHM recommendations are not legally binding. 

We have taken the innovations in the DGHM recommendations into account in our test plans. 
  
New recommendations: 

• Whipped cream (No. 1.1)
• Olive products (No. 8.3)
• Dried fruits including raisins and fruit powder (No. 11.2)

The recommendations for "Whipped cream" and "Dried fruits including raisins and fruit powder" were not changed from the already existing values. The criteria for olive products are new. The following examination parameters are included: Pseudomonads, Escherichia coli, Mold fungi, Coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Presumptive Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes.  
  
The DGHM recommendations are available for a fee at www.dghm-richt-warnwerte.de. 
  
New drafts: 

• Milkshakes, loose goods (No. 1.5) 
  This draft is especially aimed at milkshakes without raw ingredients. If raw plant ingredients are included, this must be considered in the assessment.

The drafts are freely accessible at www.dghm.org. 

Changes to Listeria monocytogenes 
Furthermore, there is another important adjustment of the DGHM recommendations to the Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foods. For ready-to-eat foods that may potentially support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, the warning value for this parameter is changed to: "Listeria monocytogenes n.n. in 25 g or 1 x 10² CFU/g". The associated footnote is relevant: "For the examination and assessment of L. monocytogenes, the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foods in its current version must be observed." 

Since the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in foods has led to numerous serious illness cases and recalls in recent years, we strongly recommend that you address this issue. The decision on whether to apply the threshold of n.n. in 25 g or 1 x 10² CFU/g to a food product must generally be examined on an individual product basis. We will provide you with more information on this in upcoming newsletters and seminars in the coming months. 
  
As our laboratory manager Paul Andrei is a member of the aforementioned working group, we can answer your questions competently and promptly. Please feel free to contact your customer advisor if needed.