How can I safely handle refrigerated ready-to-eat foods to avoid Listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer. Animals can carry the bacteria without appearing ill and can contaminate foods of animal origin such as meats and dairy products. The bacteria can be found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter. Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk may contain the bacteria. Symptoms vary and depend on the individual susceptibility, but may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection in humans called listeriosis that results in an estimated 2,500 serious illnesses and 500 deaths each year in the US. Foodborne illness caused by L. monocytogenes in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, fetal death, and sever
