In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Listeria?What Are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?How to Prevent Listeria Infections at HomeFrequently Asked Questions
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is Listeria?
What Are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?
How to Prevent Listeria Infections at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Close
Photo:Getty Image
Getty Image
Over the past couple of months,vegetables,deli meats,almond milkand more have been recalled for the same foodborne contaminant:Listeria monocytogenes. While a fairly common bacteria, the spike in its prominence is cause for concern, and you may not be familiar with the signs of infection—and ways to prevent it from spreading in your household.
Here, we’re breaking down what to know aboutListeria, how to avoid it and what to do if your household is possibly contaminated, per the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendations.
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Listeria monocytogenesis a bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals.It can be found in multiple places in the environment, including soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals. When food comes into contact with these environments, it can increase the risk forListeriato spread. Those infected withListeria—also known as listeriosis—may start experiencing symptoms within a few hours to as long as two to three days after infection.
Common signs of listeriosis are typically mild. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can last from days to several weeks, depending on the individual.
In more severe cases, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Sensitive groups like young children, those who are pregnant, age 65 or older or immunocompromised individuals are most at risk of experiencing these serious signs.
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If you are noticing signs ofListeriainfection after consuming a recalled product, talk to your doctor immediately to receive proper care and avoid spread.
The bacteria can survive and even thrive in refrigerated conditions. That’s why it is important if you have a recalled product stored in your refrigerator, to dispose of it and dispose of any foods that may have been in contact with the contaminated product. After removing any potentially infectious material, follow the below steps, per the FDA guidelines:
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The Bottom Line
Yes, if your pet eats food contaminated withListeria monocytogenes, they can spread it in the home environment, including to their human owners.
The FDA and FSIS have dedicated recall pages so you can stay up to date on the latest safety alerts.Plus, we have ourown recall pageatEatingWellso you can be most informed on the most relevant announcements.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria (Listeriosis).U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria - Food Safety for Moms to Be.U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.Recalls & Public Health Alerts.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria (Listeriosis).U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria - Food Safety for Moms to Be.U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.Recalls & Public Health Alerts.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria (Listeriosis).U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria - Food Safety for Moms to Be.U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.Recalls & Public Health Alerts.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria (Listeriosis).
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Listeria - Food Safety for Moms to Be.
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.Recalls & Public Health Alerts.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
