6 Ways to Prevent Listeria Poisoning

1. Wash All Foods Thoroughly

Listeria is a kind of food poisoning caused by bacteria on vegetables, meats and dairy products. It can take days to appear, which may disguise its origins and make it look like a flu bug or a cold. To counteract it, wash all vegetables you eat thoroughly before consuming them. This applies to packaged vegetables like baby carrots and pre-tossed salads as well. Meats should be thoroughly washed before cooking them. You should wash your hands and clean any knives and cutting boards you used with soap and water as soon as possible after you're done (certainly before you use them on any other foods).

2. Cook Meats and Vegetables Thoroughly

Keep uncooked meats separate from any other foods to stop cross-contamination. When you cook the meats, wait until they are cooked through before eating them; the heat will kill the virus but only if the meat is between 140 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, reheat any leftovers containing meat rather than eating them cold. Listeria may be gestating, especially if the meat has been left out or stored in a room-temperature environment.

3. Steer Clear of Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized milk and cheese--especially soft cheeses, like Brie, feta and Camembert, and Mexican cheeses, like queso blanco and Panela--are breeding grounds for listeria. Check the labels carefully and make sure they are made from pasteurized milk. If you're eating them at a restaurant, ask the waiter if the dairy products are all pasteurized, especially if you're traveling abroad.

4. Expiration Dates Are Your Friends

You should eat perishable foods as quickly as possible and check the expiration date on the package carefully. The longer they sit, the more chance they have of generating listeria.

5. Pregnant Women: Level Red Alert!

Pregnant women, young children, and sick people whose immune systems are recovering may be particularly vulnerable to listeria poisoning. Take extreme precautions with the above steps if you intend to give the food to anyone fitting that description.