January 28, 2026

A Practical Guide to EMPs

In this column, the author discusses the purpose of environmental monitoring programs, their regulatory basis, and how zoning helps identify and control environmental pathogen risks.

Richard Stier

Food Technology Magazine

EMP Foundations

Understand the purpose of environmental monitoring programs (EMPs), their regulatory basis, and how zoning helps identify and control environmental pathogen risks.
EMP Sampling Design

Gain insight into how to design and implement an EMP sampling plan, including zone-specific sampling frequencies, methods, and interpretation of results.
EMP Data Management

Learn how to evaluate corrective actions, establish microbial limits, and use EMP data to strengthen overall food safety management systems.

August 2025 saw a major recall of soft-ripened French cheeses across Europe and the United States after contamination with Listeria monocytogenes caused multiple illnesses and deaths. As this article is being prepared, the root cause of the outbreak has not yet been determined. However, Listeria outbreaks are often associated with a breakdown in basic food hygiene or sanitation practices.

One of the tools in the food safety toolbox that can help to minimize the potential for such occurrences is an environmental monitoring program (EMP).

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Authors

Richard Stier Food Scientist

Richard F. Stier is a consulting food scientist with international experience in food safety (HACCP), food plant sanitation, quality systems, process optimization, GMP compliance, and food microbiology (rickstier4@aol.com).