Mansel Griffiths
Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, University of Guelph

The Canadian listeriosis outbreak in 2008 was primarily the result of inadequate sanitation in a Maple Leaf Foods plant leading to the contamination of ready-to-eat foods. As a consequence of the investigation into the outbreak, recommendations were made to improve food safety standards within the food industry and across regulatory agencies to protect public health in Canada. These recommendations are relevant globally.
Food manufacturers should know and understand their customer base, and be cognizant of the potential health implications of the products they are supplying for customers.
Senior management of all food manufacturers should inculcate amongst their staff the core principles of food safety and encourage a culture of active and transparent communication.
Manufacturers of equipment used in the food industry should accept responsibility for how the design and operation of their equipment can impact on food safety.
In the event of an outbreak, one agency should be appointed to lead the response.
A communications strategy, fully tried and tested and led by a designated co-ordinator with the appropriate skills, is critical to ensure that consumers, and particularly vulnerable groups, receive the correct information in a form that is understood by them.