Listeriosis is a food bourne infection resulting from the consumption of contaminated food.
Certain groups of the population are considered to be of greater risk of listeriosis.
- Pregnant women & their unborn baby
- Those who are unwell and/or have compromised immune function e.g. long term illnesses
Food safety can reduce the risk of developing serious illness as a consequence of infection with Listeria. Even foods kept cool in the fridge may contain Listeria, any foods kept longer than 2 days increase the risk dramatically.
Remember your summer food safety checks:
- Keep cooked food separate from any ready to eat foods to prevent cross contamination and ensure freshly cooked foods are eaten as soon as possible after cooking
- When reheating cooked food, ensure it is ‘piping’ hot and ensure that microwave foods are heated evenly through
- Wash raw fruits and vegetables carefully
- Wash hands, utensils and chopping boards properly to avoid cross contamination
If at risk, keep an eye out for and avoid…
- Uncooked, smoked or pre-cooked fish or seafood products that are chilled or frozen. Reheated foods are fine if piping hot and eaten whilst hot
- Pate
- Cold pre-cooked chicken
- Ham and other pre-cooked meat products
- Stored salads and coleslaw
- Unpasteurised milk
- Surface ripened soft cheeses e.g. brie, camembert
If you are pregnant or contemplating starting a family and would like a nutritional assessment of your current diet and to discuss risk factors then contact us today
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