Listeria is a bacterial infection most commonly contracted from contaminated food. Although it’s not as prevalent as some other foodborne pathogens, its severity, particularly for vulnerable populations, makes awareness of its treatment and prevention crucial. Understanding how to treat and avoid Listeria contamination can significantly reduce health risks. This blog covers the treatment options available and the food safety practices needed to prevent Listeria infections.

Listeria Treatment

When it comes to treating a Listeria infection (listeriosis), the process is typically straightforward, with antibiotics being the primary solution.

Antibiotic Therapy

Listeria infections are primarily treated with antibiotics, usually involving penicillin-based drugs or ampicillin. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe gentamicin alongside these antibiotics for more severe infections. The sooner the treatment begins after the infection is diagnosed, the better the outcomes, especially for high-risk groups like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Why Prompt Listeria Treatment is Critical

In vulnerable groups, Listeria can lead to more serious conditions such as septicemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or spinal cord membranes). For pregnant women, the infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infections in newborns. As such, early detection and treatment are vital. Doctors will often adjust treatment protocols depending on the individual’s immune system, the severity of the infection, and how early it is detected.

Prevention of Listeria: Key Food Safety Guidelines

While treatment is crucial for those infected, prevention remains the best defense against Listeria. Fortunately, avoiding Listeria contamination is achievable through simple food safety practices. Below are detailed guidelines for keeping your food safe from contamination:

1. Check Product Labels

One of the simplest yet often overlooked strategies for preventing Listeria infection is carefully checking product labels before purchase and consumption.

• Dairy Products – When buying dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, always ensure that they are made from pasteurized milk. Avoid raw milk or dairy products made from unpasteurized milk, as they are at a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
• Fresh Juices and Meat Products – Just like dairy products, juices and meats can also carry Listeria. Always check if juices are pasteurized and if meat packaging is intact, sealed, and well within the expiry date.

2. Maintain Proper Cleanliness

Cleanliness is paramount when it comes to preventing the spread of Listeria, especially in food preparation areas. After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hygiene practices such as proper handwashing became a central focus. The same diligence applies when handling food:

• Handwashing – Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meats, vegetables, or fruits. This simple act can prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria from surfaces to your food.
• Kitchen Surfaces and Utensils – Foodborne bacteria like Listeria can thrive in unclean environments. Keeping countertops, cutting boards, knives, and other kitchen utensils clean is essential. After handling raw meat, always sanitize surfaces with hot water and detergent. This step will help prevent cross-contamination, where bacteria from raw meat or contaminated produce spread to other foods or utensils.

3. Cook Food Properly

Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill Listeria bacteria. Ensuring that your food is cooked to the proper temperature is crucial:

• Why Temperature Matters – Listeria bacteria cannot survive high temperatures. Foods should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) to kill the bacteria. This is particularly important for items like meat, poultry, and seafood, which are more prone to contamination. Using a food thermometer can ensure you are reaching the correct temperature during cooking.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination – Even after food is cooked properly, it can become contaminated if it comes into contact with dirty surfaces or utensils. Ensure that cooked foods are kept separate from raw or unwashed items. For example, use different cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables.
• At-Risk Groups: Foods to Avoid – Certain individuals are at a higher risk of contracting Listeria, particularly pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. For these groups, avoiding specific foods or taking extra precautions is necessary to reduce their risk of infection.
• Here’s a detailed breakdown of which foods to be cautious about and how to handle them safely:
  • Soft cheeses and Mexican-style cheeses are susceptible to Listeria contamination, especially if made with unpasteurized milk. These cheeses provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth, so it’s essential to always check the label to ensure the cheese is made from pasteurized milk. If the packaging doesn’t specify, avoid it altogether. Pregnant women are especially encouraged to avoid these types of cheese unless pasteurization is guaranteed.
  • Hot dogs, deli meats, and cold cuts are notorious for Listeria contamination, as evidenced by frequent product recalls. While they can be enjoyed safely, it is critical If you plan to consume hot dogs or deli meats, ensure they are reheated to steaming hot (above 165°F or 74°C) before eating. This process kills any bacteria present.
  • Fluids from hot dog packages can spread bacteria to other foods or surfaces. Be sure to keep these liquids away from other items, wash your hands after handling and thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that come in contact with them.
  • Refrigerated meat spreads and pâtés are potential sources of Listeria contamination. However, canned or shelf-stable meat spreads, which can be stored at room temperature, are safe alternatives. Always refrigerate them after opening, and follow the “use by” dates carefully.
  • Certain seafood products, particularly smoked fish like lox or kippers, are at risk for Listeria contamination. While these can be safe to eat if cooked, they should be avoided in raw or lightly cooked forms. If you enjoy smoked seafood, consider opting for canned or shelf-stable products, which are safer. If you use smoked seafood in a dish, ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
  • Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, bean, and clover sprouts are highly susceptible to contamination because of the conditions in which they are grown (moist environments where bacteria thrive). To avoid illness Sprouts should always be cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria present. Avoid using raw sprouts in salads or sandwiches, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk categories.

Conclusion

Listeria infections can be serious but are highly preventable through proper food safety practices. By following these simple guidelines—such as checking product labels, maintaining cleanliness, cooking food to safe temperatures, and being cautious about specific high-risk food, consumers can protect themselves and their loved ones from Listeria contamination. For those in vulnerable groups, taking extra precautions is essential for staying safe. Prevention is always better than treatment, and in the case of Listeria, the steps are straightforward and effective.