United States: In a pivotal disclosure on Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture revealed that BrucePac, a notable meat producer, initiated a recall of a staggering 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. This measure comes on the heels of potential contamination by listeria, marking the second major recall within recent months, following Boar’s Head Deli meats’ withdrawal in July due to the same bacterial threat.
Two significant incidents linked to listeria contamination unfolding in such a short span prompt many to question the nature of listeria, its associated hazards, and ways to mitigate the risk of infection, according to NBC News.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes, a pernicious bacterium, can taint food products, resulting in severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations. Expectant mothers, neonates, individuals over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk, as listeria infection in these groups can lead to miscarriages, systemic infections, inflammation in the brain’s protective linings, muscle discomfort, and flu-like ailments.
While healthy adults might only experience watery diarrhea, the risks posed to certain demographics are far graver.
The pathogen tends to proliferate in deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, and soft cheeses but has also been linked to smoked fish, ice cream, and raw or minimally processed vegetables. Listeria’s omnipresence in the environment means it can emanate from soil, water, and even the digestive tracts of animals—hence, it may also be present in animal feces, as per NBC News.
Unlike many other bacterial species, listeria thrives even in cold environments. This means foods like ice cream, deli meats, and cheese that spend extended periods in refrigeration become breeding grounds for the bacterium. The longer food remains refrigerated, the more time listeria has to propagate, making it all the more dangerous when consumed.
Furthermore, listeria flourishes in environments that are both moist and low in acidity. Foods like melons, which are stored for extended periods, or those cultivated in humid conditions, such as alfalfa sprouts, have been implicated in past outbreaks. Soft cheeses, particularly varieties like brie, Camembert, and queso fresco, also provide ideal conditions for listeria due to their higher moisture content and lower acidity compared to harder cheeses. Dairy products crafted from unpasteurized milk are especially prone to contamination.
How Does Listeria Contaminate Pre-Cooked Foods?
You might wonder how listeria infiltrates deli meats, especially since they are typically cooked during production. Although the cooking process eradicates listeria, contamination often occurs during the post-cooking phase, particularly during slicing or packaging.
This same mechanism of contamination is suspected in the recent BrucePac recall, though the exact source remains undetermined, according to NBC News.
Listeria contamination can stem from various origins, and previous outbreaks have been attributed to the bacterium lingering on floors, drains, countertops, utensils, conveyor belts, and other surfaces within processing facilities. Once listeria establishes itself on equipment, it becomes notably harder to eliminate. The bacterium tends to form biofilms—robust layers where the bacteria cling to surfaces and to each other. These biofilms confer increased resistance to typical cleaning methods such as heat, acids, and ultraviolet light.
The Dangers Listeria Presents
The onset of symptoms after ingesting contaminated food can range from a few days to as long as three months, though one to two weeks is more common.
Around one-sixth of all listeria cases occur in pregnant women, who are about ten times more likely to contract the infection than the general population. This elevates the concern for pregnant individuals, as listeria can cause premature labor, low birth weight, and even pregnancy loss. Later-stage infections may result in congenital disabilities for the baby, including intellectual impairment, seizures, and blindness.
In severe cases, listeria infection can be fatal. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1,600 people in the United States contract listeria annually, and approximately 260 of those cases result in death. Listeria is ranked as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, as per NBC News.
The Importance of the ‘Two-Hour Rule’
Certain populations—expectant mothers, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—should avoid foods commonly linked to listeria contamination, such as deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and soft cheeses.
Studies suggest that pregnant Hispanic women face a heightened risk due to their consumption of queso fresco and similar cheeses, so it’s essential for this group to exercise extra caution.
Keeping your refrigerator clean can also mitigate the threat of listeria. This includes cleaning spills immediately and wiping down shelves and walls with hot water and mild detergent. Be vigilant about expiration dates—discard food that has exceeded its shelf life.
Lastly, adhering to the “two-hour rule” is key: refrigerate or freeze food within two hours of preparation. Food left out for longer should be discarded to prevent the growth of listeria.