How to Treat Food With Listeria

Listeria is a dangerous, food-born illness that can be especially harmful to pregnant women and those with weak immune systems. It can be found in fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and prepackaged products. While industrial measures, such as pasteurization of dairy products, are used, treating potentially contaminated food is as important as it is simple. The average person cannot know if food is infected; but, if it is, some simple measures can be taken to kill listeria.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Soap
• Cooking appliance

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash everything. When handling vegetables, take the time to peel and wash them. If any surfaces, such as counters or tables, have touched raw meat or eggs, wash them thoroughly. Also, be sure to wash your hands after handling food, before eating or after using the bathroom. This will help remove or kill any listeria present.

• 2

  Keep foods separate. Never let raw foods, such as meat, come in contact with ready-to-eat products that require no cooking or preparation. Avoid storing meat above other foods, because the juices may contain listeria and leak onto the other products.

• 3

  Fully cook all food. Be sure all of your food is properly cooked. There should be directions on the label indicating cooking time. Cooking effectively burns any potential listeria bacteria.

• 4

  If you are particularly vulnerable, avoid certain foods. For those who are more vulnerable to listeria, it is prudent to simply not eat certain products. Any cheese ripened with mold, such as Camembert, Brie or any soft blue cheese, is notorious for containing listeria. Also, do not consume pate, including pate made from vegetables.