How to Prevent Listeria Infections

Listeria infections are caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. It lives in soil and water but is transmitted by eating contaminated food. One third of all Listeria infections occur in pregnant women, and patients with compromised immune systems are also at risk. This disease is especially serious in newborns less than 5 days old. The following steps will show how to prevent Listeria infections.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Use general sanitation that applies to the prevention of all food-borne illnesses. Wash cutting boards, hands and knives after preparing uncooked food. Vegetables also should be washed thoroughly. Perishable foods should be eaten as soon as possible.
2. Keep raw meat separate from other food to prevent cross-contamination. Cook meats such as beef, pork and poultry all the way through.
3. Take the following additional precautions if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system. Reheat leftovers thoroughly and avoid deli foods unless they are thoroughly heated. Keep fluid from hot dog packages away from other foods, food preparation surfaces and utensils.
4. Avoid unpasteurized milk or milk products such as soft-serve ice cream or soft cheeses. These include blue cheese, Brie, Camembert, Feta Brie and Mexican-style cheese. Use caution with fruit or vegetable juices that have not been canned or pasteurized.
5. Eat refrigerated smoked seafood only if it is in a cooked dish like a casserole. These products may labeled as jerky, kippered, lox, nova-style or smoked. Seafood that is canned or shelf-stable may be eaten.