How does Listeria Get into Food
Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or the ways in which collected and stored. Animals can carry the bacteria without manifest disease and contaminate foods of animal origin such as meats and dairy products. The bacterium has been found in a wide variety of raw foods from raw meats to vegetables, as well as in processed foods that keep contamination after processing such as soft cheeses, cold cuts and rolls. Unpasteurized milk or foods from unpasteurized milk may contain listeria.
How do I delete the listeria?
Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking, however certain consumer-ready products such as canned ready meals, cold cuts, hot dogs or contamination may occur after cooking but before packaging.
How do you get listeriosis?
You can get listeriosis by eating food contaminated with listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy. Although healthy persons may consume contaminated foods without becoming ill, those with increased risks for infections can have listeriosis after eating food contaminated with listeria low load. People at risk can prevent the spread of risk by avoiding foods and maintaining a proper hand washing when preparing and consuming food.