Information Sheet 85 becomes the Handbook on Food Microbiology

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has published the Handbook on Food Microbiology, which replaces Informatieblad 85. The handbook is intended for businesses involved in the production, processing or distribution of food. It outlines the legal requirements related to food microbiology.

Focus on current legislation

The handbook offers additional guidance on conducting Listeria monocytogenes studies, with specific attention to the new Technical Guidance Document (TGD). It also addresses recent and upcoming legislative changes, including the planned revision of Regulation 2073/2005, which is set to take effect on 1 July 2026.

Updated structure and broader scope

Compared to Informatieblad 85, the structure of the new handbook has been revised. A clickable table of contents improves navigation. The content has been updated to reflect the latest versions of relevant legislation and guidance documents, such as the Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en Behandeling van Levensmiddelen. The scope has also been broadened. While Informatieblad 85 focused mainly on interpreting Regulation 2073/2005, the handbook now places it within the wider context of national and European food microbiology regulations.

Developed in consultation with industry

As part of the consultation process, 21 responses were submitted, containing a total of 172 comments. These led to textual and administrative adjustments, such as updated references. Each contributor received a personal reply. The handbook is now available in a digital format. An English version will be published soon.

Nvwa.nl