Listeriosis: What Foods to Avoid & Which Foods to Handle with Care

Listerosis is a human infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Foods that have been sitting too long can harbor Listeria which can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Listeriosis is uncommon because most other foodborne bacteria can not grow when food temperatures are lowered. Listeria can not be seen, smelled, or tasted. Heat is the only thing that kills Listeria but once food is cooled, the germ can grow again. Certain foods should be avoided and other foods specially handled to keep listeriosis at bay.

If you are pregnant, are older, or have cancer, AIDS, or other immune system disorders, you are at risk.

What foods to avoid

Soft cheeses should not be eaten if you are at risk for listeriosis. These include queso blanco, queso fresco, queso de hoja, queso de crema and asadero, feta, brie, Camembert, blue cheese, Roquefort, and any cheese made from raw milk. Not all cheeses have to be taken out of your diet; just soft cheeses. Cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and slices, spreads, cream cheese, and cottage cheese are safe.

Pates or meat spreads that are refrigerated are risky. Those that are canned are okay.

Stay away from prepackaged refrigerated smoked seafood, which includes salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel. Smoked seafood is safe if it is cooked like a casserole.

Also, stay away from unpasteurized milk or any foods that contain raw milk.

Foods to handle carefully

When eating hot dogs, cold cuts, and lunch meats, they should be reheated until steaming hot. Cured meats are no exception.

Meats and seafood should be cooked completely. Do not eat rare meat and seafood.

Make sure any leftovers are reheated until steam appears.

Keep your produce washed with water and a clean produce brush. It is best not to buy sliced fruit as Listeria can grow on some produce varieties.

You can reduce your risk for listeriosis by setting your refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower if you wish.

Kitchen safety

Keep your kitchen safe by practicing basic hand washing techniques. Wash with warm soapy water after handling raw foods. Keep your utensils washed with hot, soapy water between uses. Also, throw out any foods in your fridge that are past their "use by" date. Set up a refrigerator cleaning schedule to keep bacteria growth at bay. Do not keep quick meals (such as hot dogs and lunch meat) for long; use them soon after purchasing.