Listeria: bacterial menace in frozen vegetables

by | Diet and Weightloss

Video transcript

Packaged frozen vegetables were recalled across Australia on 9th July 2018 amid fears of contamination by the deadly listeria bacteria.

Listeria can be fatal in newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, along with pregnant women who risk passing the illness on to the foetus. It’s not that common but dangerous enough that it should be avoided.

The bacteria occurs naturally in soil and water, and can infect produce at any stage of the growing, harvest, packaging or delivery cycles. Unlike many bacteria, listeria thrives in refrigerators and freezers.

On average it takes about a month to show signs of listeriosis.Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhoea, along with headaches, sore necks, loss of balance, confusion and convulsions.

Prevent listeriosis by avoiding high risk foods. And by washing your hands, vegetables, knives and chopping boards before cooking.

If you’re concerned about an infection, see your doctor.

There are tests available to determine if you have listeriosis. And the illness can be treated with antibiotics.