Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is ubiquitous in the environment and an ever-present threat in frozen food facilities, but food safety professionals who remain vigilant and understand where to focus food safety resources to control and prevent Lm in their facilities will ultimately triumph and keep food safe.
In 2017, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) in Arlington, Virginia, embarked upon a strategic plan to advance food safety across the industry shortly after there was a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) outbreak and recall related to frozen vegetables. We knew then that AFFI could be instrumental to our members and the broader food industry in developing the science and best practices to ensure that frozen foods and beverages are safe. Since then, AFFI has successfully launched industry education, completed research and developed regulatory policy solutions around the prevention and control of Lm across the food industry.