The 411 on the Listeria Contamination

Many are worried about the Listeria contamination so I thought I would answer a few of the widely asked questions as best as I can and provide sites to visit for further investigation and research.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a type of bacteria. It is widespread in the environment. It can be found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and in the feces of humans and animals. Plants and vegetables can become contaminated with Listeria from soil, water and manure-based fertilizers. Farm animals can also carry Listeria and contaminate various foods such as meats and dairy products.

Listeria

Be aware: Foods that are contaminated with this bacterium can look, smell and taste normal. Listeria can be killed by proper cooking procedures.

Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Severe Headache
• Constipation
• Persistent fever

Recalled Products:

For a list of the recalled products, with CODE, product name and Best Before Date: Click!

What to do?

To minimize your chances of contracting listeriosis:

• Read and follow all package labels and instructions on food preparation and storage.
• After handling foods in the kitchen, especially raw foods such as meat and fish, thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces used for food preparation with a kitchen sanitizer or use a bleach solution and rinse with water.
• To avoid cross-contamination, clean all knives, cutting boards and utensils used with raw food before using them again.
• Thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
• Refrigerate or freeze perishable food, prepared food and leftovers within two hours.
•  Defrost food in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave, but never at room temperature.
• Keep leftovers for a maximum of four days only and reheat them to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before eating them.
• Check the temperature in your refrigerator using a thermometer to make sure it is at 4°C (40°F) or below. As the storage temperature increases, so does the growth of Listeria in foods. The higher the number of bacteria in foods, the greater is the risk of getting sick.
• Frequently wash and disinfect the refrigerator. The more often it is cleaned, the less chance there will be for Listeria to be transferred from contaminated food and surfaces to non-contaminated foods.

Your Immune System:

To work on your immune system refer back to: ‘Your Immune System,’ ‘To your health and well-being,’ and ‘Why Organic?’

Interesting Reads:

Protect Your Baby and Yourself From Listeriosis
Listeria on the Loose?

Stay Healthy!