Which Foods Put Me at Risk of Listeria Poisoning?

 Posted on November 08, 2015 in Food Poisoning

Listeria is a type of bacteria that is known to cause food poisoning symptoms in individuals who consume it. The symptoms include nausea, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and confusion. This illness is also known as listeriosis.

Like other types of food poisoning, such as salmonella and botulism, listeria enters the body by being consumed on food. Certain types of food are more likely to carry listeria than others. In healthy adults, listeriosis generally resolves itself within a few days. But for pregnant women, infants, young children, the elderly, and any others who suffer from a weakened immune system, listeriosis can be a very serious illness. If you or a loved one have suffered from listeriosis and incurred significant bills, such as medical bills and lost wages because you could not work while you were ill, you could be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your expenses through a food poisoning claim.

Processed Meats

Processed meats such as packaged hot dogs and ready-to-eat deli meats can contain listeria. Unpasteurized meat spreads and pates can also contain this type of bacteria, putting you at risk of becoming ill. With processed meats, the contamination can occur after they are cooked and before they are packaged.

Soft Cheeses

Cheeses like brie, queso fresco, and Camembert have a higher risk of being contaminated with listeria than harder cheeses like parmesan and asiago. Other dairy products like unpasteurized raw milk can also carry the bacteria. Pasteurization kills all bacteria present in dairy products, which is why unpasteurized products can pose a health and safety risk.

Raw Sprouts

Brussels sprouts and bean sprouts, if they are not thoroughly washed and cooked, can contain listeria. Some other vegetables can become contaminated as well, but these have the highest risk of listeria contamination.

Smoked Seafood

Smoked seafood, like herrings and sardines, can also contain listeria.

With these and other foods that have a high risk of becoming contaminated with listeria, it is important that you cook them thoroughly and store them correctly. Foods should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to kill and bacteria present and when it is time to store the leftovers, they should be refrigerated as soon as possible. The range of temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit is known as the “danger zone.” This is the temperature range where bacteria can easily grow.

Food Poisoning Attorneys in Illinois

Food poisoning claims are a type of personal injury claim. They, like other types of personal injury claims, are filed against the party that was responsible for exposing the victim to the bacteria that caused his or her illness. For more information about filing a food poisoning claim, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team of attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP, can answer your questions and provide you with the legal guidance you need to determine if you have grounds for a claim and if so, the best way to proceed with it.