How to Prevent Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning that can have serious, even fatal consequences. It is contracted by eating food which has been contaminated by listeria monocytogens. Many people probably contract this condition and remain undiagnosed; because in its milder form, it may resemble a flu or stomach bug. However 2,500 people in the U.S. become seriously ill because of this condition, every year. Listeriosis may be non-invasive, that is, confined to the digestive system, or invasive. This may happen when the person is elderly or has a compromised immune system. In the invasive type of listriosis the blood system becomes infected. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before using. Be careful when using bagged salad leaves, as these have been associated with this condition. Take particular care when eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products. Avoid these entirely, if you are pregnant.

• 2

  Maintain good hygiene when preparing food. Always wash your hands after handling meat. Use separate chopping boards for cooked and uncooked foods. Wash utensils thoroughly. Refrigerate food at 4 degrees Celsius or under. Check your refrigerator regularly. Throw out food which is past its best before date.

• 3

  Avoid reheating food. If you do so, ensure that it is thoroughly reheated and steaming hot. Do not leave food lying about in a warm environment. Be particularly careful of this rule when you are buying prepared sandwiches. Do not leave these in the car, to be eaten later. Always store raw meat in the bottom of the refrigerator so it does not drip and contaminate other food.

• 4

  Use restaurants you know to have good hygiene and food safety procedures. This also applies to take-away food. Keep hot food piping hot, and cold food cold. Take particular care if you are pregnant or your immune system has been weakened by age, treatments such as chemotherapy, or illness. Always seek medical advice if you suspect food poisoning.