this treatment should eliminate any L. monocytogenes
present due to outgrowth and/or recontamination. However, some
products do not achieve a heat treatment equivalent to 2 min at
70 C (P70 < 2 min), which means there is no extra hurdle for
microorganisms to overcome but only a sensorial preparation of the
product. These products are classified as ready-to-reheat (RTR)
products. A third category of REPFED products is not heated prior to
consumption; these are classified as ready-to-eat (RTE) products.
While both the RTR and RTE products are a risk group with respect
to L. monocytogenes, the RTH group isn’t, given that the consumer
respects the recommended heat treatment. As a manufacturer
validation of the heat treatment is important, but the final
reheating remains dependent of the consumer (Clayton & Griffith,
2003).