Symptoms
What is the most common way to treat symptoms?
Antibiotics.
What are some possible contaminates for listeria?
Deli meats, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, smoked seafood, raw sprouts, etc.
What year had the most severe outbreak from this pathogen?
2017.
What is the first major step in preventing listeria contamination in food?
Choosing foods carefully and store them properly.
What is one way listeria be spread/prevented at farms?
Spread: Contaminated Water and Soil.
Prevented: Use clean, regularly tested water sources for irrigation and washing produce.
What is the implicated illness of this pathogen?
Listeriosis.
What is the incubation period for the illness? (Listeriosis)
Varies widely, typically ranging from a few days to 2-3 weeks.
On average, how many people die from this illness per year?
Approximately 260.
What is the second major step in preventing listeria contamination in food?
Practicing proper hygiene and sanitation. (Hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and tools, etc.)
What is one way listeria be spread/prevented during processing?
Spread: Contaminated Equipment
Prevent: Effective, thorough, and regular sanitation.
What is the symptom duration for mild cases?
One to three days for the mild gastrointestinal form.
What are the 3 main things this pathogen needs to thrive?
Cool temperatures (below 40°F), moisture, and a slightly acidic/neutral pH (4.6-9.5).
On average, how many people are infected by this illness per year?
Approximately 1,600.
What is the third major step in preventing listeria contamination in food?
Cooking and handle food safely. (Cooking/heating to proper temperatures, preventing cross-contamination)
What is one way listeria be spread/prevented during transportation?
Spread: poor temperature control
Prevent: maintaining strict temperature control of 41°F or lower
What is the symptom duration for more severe cases?
Weeks or months for the more severe and invasive form.
At which stage of processing is food compromised by listeria?
Ready-to-eat, post-processing stage.
Where was the biggest outbreak from this pathogen?
South Africa.
True or False: Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk are considered a high-risk food for listeria,
True.
What is one way listeria can be spread/prevented at home?
Spread: Cross-contamination of raw and cooked meats/poultry.
Prevented: Using separate tools and cleaning properly between raw and uncooked meats/poultry.
What are the 5 most common symptoms of sickness from this pathogen?
Fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and irregular bowel movement.
What is an example of a prime environment for this pathogen?
Raw or under-cooked meats and seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, etc.
How many major listeria outbreaks have been recorded in the U.S. in the last decade?
Approximately 30.
What is the most common mistake in preventing listeria outbreak in foods?
Improper handling and prolonged storage of ready-to-eat refrigerated foods
What is one way listeria can be spread/prevented at retail?
Spread: Poor employee hygiene such as improper hand-washing.
Prevented: Washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.