The FDA is hosting a public meeting on August 18-19, 2026, on Listeria monocytogenes prevention. This meeting will be the first in a series of public engagements, including workshops and webinars, to discuss best practices for managing risks posed by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). These discussions will highlight the perspectives of individual stakeholders and complement the agency’s efforts to integrate the latest scientific advancements and emerging developments in the prevention of L. monocytogenes.
L. monocytogenes is the fourth-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Despite continued efforts, incidence rates of listeriosis have remained essentially static for more than a decade, indicating the need for new, collaborative approaches to reduce public health burden.
The meeting will focus on four key areas: reducing L. monocytogenes in foods during manufacturing and processing, reducing L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods at retail establishments, reducing the risk of L. monocytogenes during consumer storage and use, and improving awareness among vulnerable populations. It will include presentations and listening sessions on:
- Advances in the Understanding and Control of L. monocytogenes
- Best Practices in L. monocytogenes Prevention
- L. monocytogenes Dose-Response Modeling: Applications and Advancements
- Using Food Safety Management Systems for Controlling L. monocytogenes in Retail Environments
- Preventing Listeriosis in an Era of Changing Demographics and Dietary Patterns
FDA encourages participation from all stakeholders, including industry, academia, consumer groups, and public health practitioners. The meeting will be held in person in the auditorium at the Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building in College Park, Maryland and will also be available virtually. The public meeting is free and open to the public, but registration is necessary to attend. More information about registration is available on our meeting page.
FDA intends to open a docket and issue additional materials for the meeting, which will be shared prior to the public meeting.
Additional Information
Public Meeting on Listeria monocytogenes Prevention
For more information on Listeria (Listeriosis)