How to Kill Listeria

Listeria is a bacteria commonly found in water and vegetation; it also can be found in feces. An otherwise healthy individual can become seriously ill if he consumes listeria. Pregnant women, young children and the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems, especially those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or those being treated for cancer, are considered high-risk and should practice caution. Most often, listeria poisoning is caused by eating uncooked or improperly cooked foods. The best way to kill the bacteria is to cook food to the recommended minimum temperatures.

Instructions

• 1

  Cook eggs and any foods that contain raw eggs to a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 2

  Cook ground beef to at least 160 degrees, poultry to at least 165, pork to at least 145 and seafood to at least 145.

• 3

  Cook hot dogs and cold cuts if you are a high-risk individual.

• 4

  Kill listeria on cooking surfaces by cleaning with bleach and water.

• 5

  Wash hands with soap and water after contact with raw meat. Clean and sanitize any surface that comes into contact with raw meat.

• 6

  Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove all dirt. Listeria can be transferred in contaminated soil.

• 7

  Choose only dairy products that have been pasteurized; the pasteurization process kills the listeria bacteria.