Was it a mass shooting? A tragic fire in an apartment complex? A 10-car pileup on an Interstate?
Nope. The culprit was the last thing you’d expect.
Soft cheese.
That’s right, soft cheese had been contaminated by a natural-born killer. And that killer was a bacteria known as Listeria.
Listeria is linked to listeriosis, a potentially deadly disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths due to listeriosis occur annually in the United States.
In 2015, two outbreaks of listeriosis were reported. In April, an outbreak was associated with cream distributed by Blue Bell Creameries. Ten people were infected in four states, resulting in three deaths.
And in September, a random outbreak was linked to soft cheese distributed to Karoun Dairies. In total, 30 cases of listeriosis were diagnosed in 10 different states. This resulted in 28 hospitalizations and three deaths.
So just what is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by a bacteria known as listeria. This bacteria can be found in many places. For example, listeria can reside in soil and water. It can be found in poultry and cattle, unpasteurized milk and on the skin of fruits.
Even more concerning, it can live in cold environments that might kill other bacteria. According to Foodsafety.gov, the bacteria can grow even in the cold temperature of the refrigerator.
Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should be extremely cautious of listeria.
That said, we bet you’re wondering just what foods you need to watch out for. Here are five foods in which Listeria can lurk.
Melons
We love our melons, but in truth, melons can contain the deadly bacteria.
In 2011, consumers were shocked when cantaloupe produced by Jensen Farms of Colorado was linked to a listeriosis outbreak. The outbreak killed roughly three dozen Americans who consumed infected cantaloupe, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
To avoid this consequence, the CDC says that there are a number of precautions you need to take. The first is simple hygiene. “Consumers and food preparers should wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling any whole melon, such as cantaloupe, watermelon or honeydew,” according to the CDC.
Second, make it a point to wash the outside of melons thoroughly. “Scrub the surface of melons, such as cantaloupes, with a clean produce brush under running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting. Be sure that your scrub brush is sanitized after each use, to avoid transferring bacteria between melons,” the CDC advises.
And third, know the timeline of your melon once it is cut. According to the CDC, it’s important to consume or refrigerate cut melon promptly. Melon should remain in the fridge for no more than seven days. Toss cut melon that has sat at room temperature for more than four hours.
Products Containing Unpasteurized Milk
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pasteurized milk and milk products provide a wealth of nutrition benefits. But raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks.
According to the CDC, between 1993 and 2006 more than 1,500 people in the United States became sick from drinking raw milk or eating cheese made from raw milk. In fact, unpasteurized milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness and results in 13 times more hospitalizations than illnesses involving pasteurized dairy products.
Not only can unpasteurized dairy products cause Listeria, but they also can cause Salmonella and E. coli.
FDA advises consumers to avoid unpasteurized cream and milk. Beware of soft cheeses that can contain unpasteurized dairy products. The FDA says that these can include: Brie, Camembert and Mexican-style soft cheeses such as Queso Fresco, Panela, Asadero and Queso Blanco. Further, steer clear of pudding, ice cream and frozen yogurt that contain unpasteurized milk.
Raw Hot Dogs
Many people like to munch on cold hot dogs. Unfortunately, raw hot dogs and other preserved meats can add to listeriosis risk.
According to the CDC, open packages of hot dogs should be kept no more than two weeks.
It's important to cook hot dogs and other products known to contain listeria thoroughly. The CDC recommends cooking these foods to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important for pregnant women and those with weak immune systems.
Refrigerated, Smoked Seafood
Refrigerated, smoked seafood is a party favorite. However, it comes with a major health risk – listeria.
The CDC advises not eating refrigerated, smoked seafood unless cooked or is a canned or shelf-stable product. These products typically are found in the refrigerator section or sold at seafood and deli counters of grocery stores and delis. Examples include salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna and mackerel. They may be labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked" or "jerky."
Lunch Meats
Lunch meats are a great option for a noon meal. However, they can contain listeria.
According to the CDC, a store factory-sealed, unopened package should be kept no longer than two weeks. Opened packages and deli-sliced meat sliced should be kept refrigerated for no longer than three to five days.
Proper storage is necessary. Divide leftovers into shallow containers to promote rapid, even cooling. Cover with airtight lids or enclose in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and toss leftovers after four days.