Listeriosis Prevention

Below I have listed some of the ways that we can help prevent listeriosis, the illness that is the result of the listeria bacteria. I hope that following these precautions when dealing with foods will help reduce the levels of bacteria in our homes.

Clean:

·         Make sure to wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food

·         Clean cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot soapy water after they have come in connection with raw meat.

·         Wash raw food with water

·         Wipe up spills in refrigerator straightaway and sanitize regularly

Separate:

·         Raw meat, chicken, and seafood can contain harmful bacteria, separate from other products

·         Cut these items on separate cutting board than uses for produce

·         Separate plates should be used for raw foods, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods

Cook:

·         Heat foods to the proper temperature, this will help kill harmful bacteria. Check temperature with clean food thermometer.

·         Make certain eggs are firm

·         Fish should be dense and flaky

·         Leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees

Chill:

·         Refrigerator temperature must be at 4 degrees Celsius

·         Store perishable foods, precooked or ready-to-eat, at 4 degrees Celsius, eat them a.s.a.p.

·         Refrigerate or freeze perishables within two hours of consumption or preparation

 





References:

  Food Facts. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079667.htm

Guffey, M. R. (2011). Maple Leaf Foods - Rebounding From Tragedy. Business Communication. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.