2. LISTERIA IS A BACTERIUM THAT CAUSES INFECTIONS IN
HUMANS.
: any of a genus (Listeria) of microscopic, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria
that do not form spores and prefer to grow in chains, one of which causes
listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes)
ListeriAnalysisa, a common bacteria found in a variety of foods ranging from
raw vegetables to hot dogs, can cause listeriosis, a potentially fatal condition
when present in significant amounts.
High fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and
diarrhoea are all signs of Listeria.
3.
4. EXAMPLES OF LISTERIA EXPRESSIONS
The risk of serious illness from listeria Analysis is particularly higher in
older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
FDA sampling discovered listeria on processing equipment, prompting the
recall, according to FDA.
Antibiotics are used to treat serious listeria infections.
5. LISTERIOSIS OUTBREAKS IN THE UNITED STATES: FOODS TO AVOID
In the past, raw, unpasteurized milk and cheeses, ice cream, raw or processed vegetables,
raw or processed fruits, raw or undercooked chicken, sausages, hot dogs, deli meats, and
raw or smoked fish and other seafood have all been associated to listeriosis outbreaks in
the United States. In addition, L. monocytogenes have been found in raw pet foods
Foodborne Illness Prevention at Home
The longer L. monocytogenes-contaminated ready-to-eat refrigerated items are kept in the
refrigerator, the more opportunities this pathogen has to thrive. Set the refrigerator to 40
degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and the freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to limit or
stop the growth of L.. monocytogenes (-18 degrees Celsius).
6. CONSUMERS SHOULD ALSO TAKE THE FOLLOWING EASY STEPS:
Using a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one-gallon hot water, sanitise the
inside walls cutting boards and surfaces, as well as any utensils that may have come into
touch with contaminated foods; then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been
used previously.
Spills in the refrigerator should be cleaned up right away, and the refrigerator should be
cleaned regularly.
Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after
handling food, as well as after any cleaning or sanitation procedure.
Unpasteurized or raw milk, cheeses derived from unpasteurized milk, raw fish, raw sprouts,
and several other raw foods, which carry a high risk of L. monocytogenes, should be avoided
by pregnant women, the elderly, and people with impaired immune systems.
7. TREATMENT
Listeriosis can be treated if caught early Antibiotics are prescribed for serious
symptoms like meningitis. When an infection occurs during pregnancy, antibiotics
should be given as soon as possible to prevent infection of the foetus or baby.
Methods of surveillance
L. monocytogenes must be controlled at all stages of the food chain, and an
integrated approach is required to prevent the bacteria's proliferation in the final
food product. Given its widespread distribution, high resistance to standard
preservation treatments such as salt, smoke, or an acidic condition in the food, and
capacity to survive and develop at refrigerated temperatures (about 5 °C),
controlling L. monocytogenes poses significant hurdles. Good Hygienic Practices
(GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) should be implemented in all
sectors of the food chain, in addition to a HACCP-based food safety management
system (HACCP).
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8. RESPONSE FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WHO advocates for the improvement of food safety systems, excellent manufacturing
practices, and the education of retailers and consumers on proper food handling and
contamination prevention. Consumer education, particularly for those in high-risk categories,
and food handler training in proper food handling is two of the most important ways to avoid
foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis.
The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations have produced an international quantitative risk assessment of Listeria in ready-to-
eat foods. Guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius Commission on the Application of General
Food Principles Hygiene to the Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Foods are based on this
research. Microbiological criteria are included in this advice (i.e.maximum limits of the
presence of L monocytogenes in foods)
The International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN), which connects national
authorities in the Member States in the responsibility of handling food safety events, is
WHO's the key tool to assist the Member States in outbreak surveillance, coordination, and
response. WHO and FAO collaborate to operate this network.
9. SOCIAL LINK
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https://www.instagram.com/usdagov/
Twitter link
https://twitter.com/fda_ora
Facebook link
https://www.facebook.com/FoodSafetyNews/
Pinterest link
https://www.pinterest.com/hereathome/microbiology/