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How to Handle Refrigerated Ready-to-Eat Foods and Avoid ListeriosisListeria monocyotogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection in humans called listeriosis, that results in an estimated 2,500 serious illnesses and 500 deaths each year. Foodborne illness caused by L. monocytogenes in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, fetal death, and severe illness or death of a newborn infant. Others at risk for severe illness or death are older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Because L. monocytogenes can grow at refrigerator temperatures and is found in ready-to-eat foods, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are advising all consumers to reduce the risk of illness by:
Since pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for listeriosis, FDA and FSIS are providing the following advice to those at-risk consumers of foods that have a greater likelihood of containing Listeria monocytogenes:
Cheeses that may be eaten include hard cheese; semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella; pasteurized processed cheeses such as slices and spreads; cream cheese; and cottage cheese.
To keep food safe from harmful bacteria, follow these four simple steps: Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often For More Information, Contact:USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline FDA Food Information Line * Distributed May 2002 for use in September 2002 as part of the International Food Safety Council's National Food Safety Education Month. |
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