What advice is the government giving to consumers in relation to Listeriosis?

The government advises that consumers can reduce their risk of listeriosis by:

• Using perishable items that are precooked or ready-to-eat as soon as possible
• Cleaning refrigerators regularly
• Using a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that temperatures remain at 40 F or lower

The FDA and USDA say that pregnant women, older people, and those with weakened immune systems should take the following steps to avoid listeriosis:

• Do not eat hot dogs or luncheon meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot.
• Do not eat soft cheeses such as feta, brie or Camembert, blue-veined cheeses or Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco fresco. Hard cheeses, semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella, pasteurized processed cheeses, cream cheese, and cottage cheese may be eaten.
• Do not eat refrigerated patés or meat spreads. Canned or shelf-stable patés and meat spreads may be eaten.
• Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is part of a cooked dish, such as a casserole. Refrigerated smoked seafood--such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna or mackerel--most often is labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky." The products are found in the refrigerator section or sold at deli counters of grocery stores or delicatessens. Canned or shelf-stable smoked seafood may be eaten.
• Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or eat foods that contain raw milk.