A deadly Listeria outbreak tied to frozen meals has sickened at least 20 people across 15 states, hospitalizing 19 and claiming four lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium, can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Though the infection is rare, it can be dangerous for some individuals such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, and their newborns. This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis. While staying away from the contaminated food that is recalled is extremely important, there are also some measures, you can adopt to prevent the infection. These include simple food swaps, and choosing safer alternatives. Take a look.
Cheese
The CDC recommeneds to avoid any unheated, fresh cheeses made with pasteurized or unpasteurized (raw) milk. This includes queso fresco-type cheeses, or similar fresh, soft cheeses such as queso blanco and requesón. In fact, any cheese made with (raw) unpasteurized milk should be consumed with caution because it may carry a higher risk of foodborne illness.Instead opt for hard cheeses, made with pasteurized milk, such as Asiago, Cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss/Gruyere/Emmental. Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, string cheese, feta, and mozzarella, made with pasteurized milk are also safe. Queso fresco-type or raw milk cheeses can also be safely consumed if they are heated to 165°F or until steaming hot.
Deli meat
It is best to avoid deli meat, cold cuts, hot dogs, and fermented or dry sausages, that are unheated, because they carry the risk of foodborne illnesses. If you really want to enjoy these foods safely, consider reheating them to 165°F or until steaming hot, because Listeria thrives in cold temperatures. Also avoid pre-made deli salads, such as coleslaw and potato, tuna, or chicken salad. Instead make them at home, with the meat cooked to 165°F or until steaming hot.
Pâté or meat spreads
The CDC recommends to avoid refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, as they can pose a risk of illness illness. Instead, choose pâté or meat spreads that come in sealed, airtight containers and don’t require refrigeration before opening. This also applies to smoked fish.
Sprouts
Sprouts have become a part of our diets. From salads to tacos, we add sprouts to almost everything. However, amidst this listeria outbreak, it is best to avoid eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts. If you enjoy sprouts cook them until steaming hot, and consume.
Fruits
People often have a habit of buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables. But it could be risky amidst the outbreak. For instance, it is best to avoid cut melon that is left out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s exposed to temperatures hotter than 90°F, such as a picnic or hot car). Eat right away after cutting.
Dairy products
Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk, yogurt, and ice cream, as they can carry a higher risk of foodborne illness. Instead, choose pasteurized milk, yogurt, and ice cream to enjoy these dairy products safely.
Mushrooms
The CDC is investigating outbreaks linked to Listeria in enoki mushrooms. It is ideal to not eat the mushrooms raw. Instead consume them cooked. “If you are at increased risk for infection, do not eat raw mushrooms. When at home and when dining out, eat mushrooms only if they have been cooked thoroughly to reduce risk of illness,” the agency advised.