FDA Seeks Comments on Soft-Ripened Cheese Listeria Risk Assessment

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking comments on its draft quantitative assessment of the risk of listeriosis from soft-ripened cheese consumption in the United States and Canada. The risk assessment, published today in the Federal Register, is a joint effort between FDA and Health Canada.

The U.S. and Canada have experienced sporadic illnesses and outbreaks of listeriosis associated with the consumption of soft cheese. Both FDA and Health Canada continue to evaluate the safety of soft cheese, particularly soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk. The new FDA/Health Canada draft risk assessment found the risk of listeriosis from soft-ripened cheeses made with raw milk is estimated to be 50 to 160 times higher than that from soft-ripened cheese made with pasteurized milk. This finding is consistent with the fact that consuming raw milk and raw milk products generally poses a higher risk from pathogens than do pasteurized milk and its products.

The comment period opens Feb. 11 and will remain open for 75 days. Electronic comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Written comments can be sent to Division of Dockets Management (HFA305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. The docket number is FDA-2012-N-1182.