How to Prevent Listeria Poisoning

Listeria poisoning is caused by a bacteria sometimes found in vegetables, meats or dairy products. Symptoms of Listeria poisoning can occur anywhere from five to 31 days after exposure, so they may be mistaken for flu symptoms. Follow these steps to prevent Listeria poisoning.

Instructions

1. Wash any vegetables thoroughly before cooking or using them in salads. Prepackaged salads in a bag should also be washed to prevent poisoning.

2. Make sure raw meats are thoroughly cooked before eating. Also place any cutting boards, plates or utensils that have touched raw meat directly into the dishwasher or set aside for washing.

3. Stay away from unpasteurized dairy products. Make sure all dairy products including milk and soft cheeses, such as brie, blue cheese or feta, have been pasteurized.

4. Check expiration dates on perishable food products and try to consume them as soon as possible. The longer a food sits on the shelf, the longer the bacteria has to multiply.

5. Refrain from deli meats, hot dogs or refrigerated smoked salmon or meat spreads from the store delicatessen if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Canned products are okay.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your doctor if you experience any flu-like symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches or fever.

• Make sure hot dogs or sausages are thoroughly cooked to prevent sickness.

• Call your doctor immediately if you experience the above symptoms with stiff neck, disorientation or convulsions.

• If you are pregnant and experience any symptoms of Listeria poisoning call your doctor immediately. Listeria poisoning during pregnancy can cause infection of the newborn, miscarriage or stillbirth.