Listeria is bacteria carried in some foods that can cause an infection called ’listeriosis’, and may lead to miscarriage if it is transmitted to the unborn baby.
Listeria infection is an uncommon form of food poisoning. It causes few or no symptoms in most people but it may be very dangerous for unborn or newborn babies, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly.
The Listeria organism lurks in many places, and you can get it from eating food that has not been handled or stored correctly. If you or anyone in your household is pregnant, elderly or has a poor immune system, you can reduce your risk by taking a few simple precautions. An important way of reducing your risk is to eat only freshly prepared food.
In preparing food, always follow good hygienic practices such as washing and drying hands. Ensure that you thoroughly wash fresh vegetables, always cook foods thoroughly and immediately refrigerate any leftovers.
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with poor immune systems need to avoid some foods such as salads and sliced meats prepared by someone else, soft cheeses, soft-serve ice cream, ready-to-eat prawns, raw seafood and pates.
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