Listeria
A serious infection that is especially dangerous for pregnant women and older adults.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. While relatively rare compared to other foodborne pathogens, listeriosis has one of the highest hospitalization and fatality rates — about 94% of people with listeriosis are hospitalized, and approximately 1 in 5 cases is fatal.
Listeria is unusual because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures. It is commonly found in deli meats, soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk, smoked seafood, raw sprouts, and ready-to-eat foods that have been contaminated during processing.
Symptoms
- Fever and muscle aches
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Stiff neck and headache
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Convulsions (in severe cases)
Onset: Symptoms can appear 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food, though some cases have been reported as early as the same day or as late as 70 days.
Who is Most at Risk?
What Should You Do?
If you have a product recalled for Listeria, throw it away immediately. Do not taste or smell it. Clean your refrigerator thoroughly, especially any surfaces that may have contacted the recalled product, using a diluted bleach solution.
If you are pregnant and think you may have eaten contaminated food, contact your doctor immediately — even if you don't feel sick. Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection of the newborn.
Recent Listeria Recalls
The latest recalls related to Listeria.
Made Fresh Salads Recalls Cream Cheese for Listeria Risk
Wellsley Farms Salmon Recalled for Listeria Risk
Suzanna's Kitchen Recalls Grilled Chicken for Listeria Risk
Ambriola Cheese Recall Due to Listeria Concerns
Primavera Nueva Recalls Tamales for Listeria Risk
Boss Dairy Farms Recalls Cheddar Cheese for Listeria Risk
Stay Informed
Check FreshRecall regularly to stay up to date on food safety recalls in your area.