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.
Sources
This guide is based on public health guidance from the following agencies.
Recent Listeria Recalls
The latest recalls related to Listeria.
Northwest Naturals Recalls Raw Pet Food for Salmonella, Listeria
Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Recalled for Listeria Risk
City Foods Recalls Pastrami and Corned Beef for Listeria Risk
Curry Chicken Salad Alert: Potential Listeria Contamination
La Ceiba Foods Recalls Cottage Cheese for Listeria Risk
Chicken Caesar Wraps Alert: Potential Listeria Contamination
Stay Informed
Check FreshRecall regularly to stay up to date on food safety recalls in your area.