During the past decade there has been a major revolution in the ability to detect Listeria outbreaks through PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne bacterial disease surveillance. The CDC also enhanced outbreak surveillance during the late 1990s, including several activities to encourage states to report outbreaks.
Food Poisoning
When food starts to rot it develops bacteria, breeds viruses, and may be infested with parasites. These or the toxins they produce may cause food poisoning. Care in putting away leftovers and tossing out questionable food will protect you. Some of the bacteria can be quite dangerous, including salmonella and E. coli. Several years ago, e coli infections traced to improperly cleaned lettuce resulted in severe illness and forced the closure of the Chi-Chi's restaurant chain.
Recently Answered
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Listeria infections are almost always caused by contaminated food. In rare cases, cases of hospital-acquired Listeria infection have been reported.
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Listeria infections have most often been linked to turkey and other ready-to-eat deli meats, hot dogs (frankfurters), raw (unpasteurized milk), Mexican-style cheese and other soft cheeses (especially those made from raw milk). Cantaloupe, sprouts, and pre-cut celery have recently been linked to Listeria infections.
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Canned and shelf stable tuna, salmon, and other fish products are safe to eat.
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People at a higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should not eat smoked seafood unless it is contained in a cooked dish, such as a casserole, or unless it is a canned or shelf-stable product. Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, and mackerel, is most often labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky." These fish are typically found in the refrigerator section or sold at seafood and deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens.
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People at a higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should only eat cheeses and other dairy products that are labeled as made from pasteurized milk.
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People at higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should avoid getting fluids from hot dog and lunch meat packages on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces. They should also wash their hands after handling hot dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats.
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Those at higher risk of Listeria infection—older adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system—should not eat refrigerated pâté or meat spreads from a deli or meat counter or from the refrigerated section of a store Foods that do not need refrigeration, like canned or shelf-stable pâté and meat spreads, are safe to eat. Refrigerate these foods after opening.
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People at a higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
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To keep your kitchen free of listeria, consider the following tips:
- Keep cold foods cold, which means 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less in the refrigerator and 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less in the freezer.
- Consume precooked and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible to reduce risk of listeria growth on them.
- Keep individual foods wrapped or in containers with lids and avoid letting any leaking juices contaminate other food.
- Keep your kitchen surfaces and refrigerator clean by washing regularly with warm soapy water followed by a kitchen sanitizer product, which can be found in the local grocery store.
- Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds before and after food preparation.
- Clean cutting boards with warm soapy water after each use.
- Wash dishcloths and towels frequently on the hot cycle of the washing machine.