Dutch firm sets sights on worldwide approval after EFSA backs Listeria-combatting solution

23-Mar-2012 - Last updated on 23-Mar-2012 at 12:18 GMT

Listex P100 has already gained approval for use with raw fish products in the US, according to its developer.

Listex P100 manufacturer Micreos's aim for worldwide approval seems a step closer after it received the green light from European authorities for use of the Listeria-combatting agent with raw fish.

The Netherlands-based company has now pinpointed Asia as its next target for the approval of its Listex P100 solution, which has been proved to reduce Listeria monocytogenes surface contamination levels on raw fish.

Micreos CEO Mark Offerhaus outlined the company’s global strategy following the issue of a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientific opinion on the safety and effectiveness of Listex P100.

The document,Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Listex P100 for the removal of Listeria monocytogenes surface contamination of raw fish, confirmed that the use of Listex P100 is safe

The use of Listex P100 is approved across the world for use with cheese and meat products.

Earlier this month, food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand made calls for its approval as a processing aid to combat Listeria on a series of products.

Asia approval

“Listex was our first product, and of course we want worldwide approval for it,” said Offerhaus.

“Listeria is a particular problem in smoked salmon products, and as food processing facilities are scaled up, the chance of contamination increases – so we need these extra tools. Europe has a large fish industry that needs to be protected.”

“The US has a zero tolerance for Listeria. The EU has a threshold, but in the US it is not acceptable, so obviously the fish processing industry is extremely interested.”

Listex P100 has already been approved for use with raw fish products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Offerhaus added.

“Most countries are satisfied with US requirements. Many Asian countries in particular,” added Offerhaus.

“But Asia is the next market we will be targeting with this product, as they are very conscious about food safety at the moment.”

Scientific opinion

The EFSA approval comes within days of the approval of Listex P100 by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

The approval followed an industry consultation, where figures from within the food sector and experts were asked for their views on the product.

The European approval follows a European Commission (EC) request to EFSA to conduct and issue a scientific opinion on the safety and effectiveness of Listex P100.

EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazard (BIOHAZ Panel) was asked to specifically consider the toxicological safety of the substance, its antimicrobial effectiveness and the potential emergence of antimicrobial resistance through use of the substance.

“In Europe, there are specific additional measures to meet on top of standard measures for the approval of any product for use with meat or fish,” Offerhaus added.

“This is why, because of the presence of antibiotics, we have had to jump through the same hoops again.”