Listeriosis Risk

We often hear about outbreaks of E. Coli, making our children sick. But, there is another bacteria that is a danger for children under five. Listeriosis rarely affects humans, however, children are at risk because their immune systems are still developing. Read further for more information about fighting and preventing listeriosis.

Listeria monocytogenes is everywhere. It originates in our soil, traveling up the food chain, eventually getting into the food supply of animals. When animals eat contimated food, they then carry the food in their intestines. Usually, the bacterium is destroyed during the cooking and pasteurizing process. But, foods such as soft cheeses and sliced meats may be contaminated after processing.

If your children consume contaminated food, listeriosis may develop. Symptoms of an infection includes flu-like symptoms develop such as fever, diarrhea, fatigue, chills, nausea, body aches, irritability, loss of apetite, and vomiting. Or, no symptoms develop. If you notice any symptoms consult your pediatrician immediately, it could cause liver failure, meningitis, and even death if allowed to progress. The pediatrician may then treat listeriosis with antibotics.

To prevent listeriosis you can do so by avoiding the following foods:

• Soft cheeses: Brie, feta. (Processed cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cream cheese are okay to consumed.)
• Unpasteurized milk
• Raw hot dogs and deli-style meats
• Refrigerated meats and meat spreads (canned meats are okay to consume)
• Raw meats
• Dry or fermented sausages
• Refrigerated or smoked seafood (canned seafood is okay to consume)

You can also prevent listeriosis by using the proper cooking and handling techniques:

• After playing in soil and water outside, have children wash hands, especially before eating.
• Make sure all fruit juices and milk are pasteurized.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating.
• Avoid cross contamination by separating cooking areas and washing hands when dealing with raw meat, fruits, and vegetables.
• Cook or heat all meat before serving.
• Keep foods refrigerated. Don't allow them to sit out, even a small amount of time.
• Keep current on food recalls. Visit http://www.safetyalerts.com/Default.htm
• Look at food labels and pay attention. Throw out old food and keep foods refrigerated.

Listeriosis although uncommon can be dangerous. Practice and teaching good personal hygiene and kitchen safety will keep baby safe.

For more information visit:

www.FoodSafety.gov http://www.foodsafety.gov/

National Food Safety Initiative http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fs-toc.html

Safer Child, Inc http://www.saferchild.org/nutritio.htm

Center for Disease Control and prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture http://www.usda.gov/

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