1. Listeria is only found in cheese and meat. False. Listeria bacteria are also found in undercooked poultry, seafood, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk cheeses. In fact, Listeria is a non-contagious bacterium widespread everywhere in the environment: in dirty water, soil, and vegetation, on unwashed fruits and vegetables. Animals and humans can carry the bacteria (one in ten people) without getting sick.
2. Listeria can easily be passed from person to person just by touch. False. It is possible but rare. Washing your hands with soap is the most effective way to kill the bacteria. As for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, they are designed to be used as an adjunct to handwashing, when running water is not available. Applying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will only kill germs if there is no visible dirt on the skin. In either case, Listeria can hardly spread.
3. Listeria is more likely to cause death than other food poisoning bacteria. True. Compared to other bacteria that cause food poisoning, Listeria is more likely to cause death. 20 to 30% of Listeria infections in people at risk can be fatal. By person at risk, we mean very young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. However, healthy people who are exposed to Listeria are rarely affected by the bacteria.
4. A Listeria infection can occur up to two months after exposure. True. Symptoms may appear a day or two after eating contaminated food or may take up to 30 days, and even 60 to 70 days, to surface. Persons at risk who may have consumed contaminated products and exhibit the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, fever, should consult a doctor.5. A Listeria infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. False. A Listeria infection can be treated with antibiotics, however, if the infection is not treated quickly enough, in some cases the bacteria can infect the brain (encephalitis) and its surrounding tissues (meningitis) or the bloodstream ( sepsis). All of which can be fatal.
6. The liquid in the packet of sausages contains more Listeria than the sausages themselves. True. It goes without saying that sausages should never be eaten straight from the packaging. It is necessary to reheat them until they are smoking and make sure to wash your hands well after taking them out of the package.
7. Foods containing Listeria look bad. False. Foods containing Listeria look and smell normal. In fact, the growth of most bacteria does not necessarily change the appearance, smell, or flavor of food.
8. Foods that are properly refrigerated cannot contain Listeria. False. Unlike other bacteria, Listeria can continue to grow at fridge temperature. Obviously, it grows faster at room temperature, which is why it has always been recommended (and regardless of the bacteria involved) to thaw food in the fridge or quickly in the microwave and not on the counter.
In light of this information, you now know that healthy people are rarely affected by bacteria. However, as a precautionary measure, these safety rules apply to everyone:
fully cook ground meats;
avoid raw meat as well as raw or smoked fish;
choose pasteurized dairy products;
store food in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C or less;
thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits;
wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling food;
to avoid cross-contamination, clean knives, cutting boards, and utensils used for raw foods before using them again, and avoid contact of cooked foods with raw foods.
Now that you’re up to speed, you can eat in peace!
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