Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria Monocytogenes is a bacterial species found in a variety of environments including municipal water, soil, and food products. This species is of particular concern because it can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness characterized by fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and septicaemia. Listeria Monocytogenes can also cause spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, and neonatal death in animals and humans. Contamination is associated with the consumption of uncooked, under-processed, or contaminated ready-to-eat food products. Proper cleaning and sanitation of food surfaces, equipment, and storage, as well as cooking food to the appropriate temperatures, can help to reduce the risk of infection.