Listeriosis: eating safely in pregnancy
It is important that pregnant women know about an infection called listeriosis.
This infection is caused by a common bacterium that is present on the surface of raw, unwashed vegetables and some processed foods. Although it is rare, infection with this germ can have serious consequences for unborn babies. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or result in a very sick baby.
The only way to prevent this illness is to avoid those foods in which the bacterium can live and multiply. A simple rule is to eat only foods that have been freshly cooked or prepared in the previous 12 hours. It is important to remember that refrigeration does not kill the listeria bacterium. Left-over cooked meat should be frozen, thawed in the refrigerator and eaten within 12 hours.
Certain foods should be avoided if possible. They include:
- pate (unless home made and eaten within 12 hours);
- processed and cold meats, such as polony and ham;
- soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, fetta and ricotta;
- pre-prepared salads (for example, coleslaw); and
- cold, smoked or raw seafood (for example, smoked salmon, oysters, sashimi).
Hard cheeses, fresh pasteurised milk, yoghurt, canned foods and fresh washed vegetables and fruit are all safe.
In healthy adults listeria infection may produce no symptoms. Sometimes it causes a mild ‘flu-like’ illness and occasionally the affected person is very sick with a high temperature. Antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection.
Last Reviewed: 01 May 2002
