What is Listeria?
Listeria is a bacteria which can survive even cold temperatures. Usually linked with outbreaks connected with foods like luncheon meats, hot dogs, and other processed meat-specific products, the deadly bacteria produces some horribly uncomfortable symptoms. Listeria symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. Those most at risk include senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with impaired immune systems.
Doctors have trouble diagnosing the illness quickly, since it can take as long as four weeks for symptoms to occur, and there is speculation that the number of deaths linked to the tainted food with bacteria in it could increase in coming weeks.
What Causes Listeria?
Listeria is found in animal feces. In turn, fecal matter carrying the bacteria can contaminate soil and water. The bacteria is found in high concentrations in areas where a large number of animals, such as are found in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, commonly known as CAFOs are present. When contaminated manure is used to fertilize fields, it can be spread to produce, which is just one reason you’ve got to be very careful to wash all produce. Listeria from CAFOs can also contaminate water, including ground water. This can lead to food with bacteria in it and a possible listeria outbreak. While the CDC has not been able to pinpoint exactly where the listeria that is present in Jensen Farms cantaloupes came from, some groups are speculating that groundwater contamination from nearby CAFOs could be the culprit.
How to Protect Yourself From Listeria
According to the CDC, 1 in 20 persons is actually immune to Listeria. Some Listeria can be present on substances such as wood, and some can be found in decaying vegetation – another reason to eat only fresh foods that have not passed their expiration dates. While it important to realize that millions of meals are consumed in the United States each day, and while many of Jensen Farms cantaloupes have been eaten without causing illness, it is also smart to take precautions. Here are some suggestions to avoid eating food with bacteria in it:
• Wash all fruits and vegetables prior to consuming them.
• Wash knives and cutting surfaces before use, especially if you plan to consume anything you have cut without cooking it first.
• Wash your hands frequently, and remember that not everyone follows this rule. Don’t touch bathroom fixtures in public restrooms after washing – use a paper towel instead. Avoid touching things a lot of other touch, such as doors and doorknobs, too.
• Choose foods from a local, organic source as much as possible. While the FDA and USDA have strict rules that govern food production, Listeria thrives in large food preparation environments, such as meat packing plants and facilities that handle a lot of different foods. If you know your food comes from a local farmer or another trusted source that follows the USDA’s stringent organic food guidelines, then you’ve just eliminated a major piece of the puzzle. Even so, wash these foods and cook them properly. Listeria occurs naturally and is not confined to factory farms.
Besides contaminated cantaloupes, there have been other recent foodborne illnesses coming from food with bacteria in it, such as lettuce and hamburger.
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If you believe you have eaten food with bacteria in it, get medical attention if needed. After you feel well again, you may want to do a total body cleanse and detox program to ensure all harmful bacteria are cleaned out of your system. Click here for more information:
