Are refrigerated foods safe from Listeria?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures so use a refrigerator thermometer to keep the temperature below 40◦ Fahrenheit or 4◦ Celsius). The longer that ready-to-eat deli meats (such as lunch meats and hot dogs) and leftover foods are stored in the refrigerator, the more opportunity Listeria has to grow.

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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.

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