The application of the Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) and Food Safety Objective (FSO) concepts in food safety management, using Listeria monocytogenes in deli meats as a case study

► The use of the ALOP and FSO benchmarks was investigated. ► The risk of listeriosis in deli meats in the Netherlands was selected as a case study. ► An epidemiology-based and a risk assessment-based approach were followed. ► Meaningful estimations were technically feasible with both approaches deployed. ► The suitability of each approach depends on the application context and data available.