Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food.
While adults can generally ingest these bacteria without becoming ill, it shouldn't be ignored. Listeria can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and serious illness in newborn infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. To avoid listeria contamination, thoroughly wash vegetables before use and follow safe food-handling guidelines for cooking and storing meats. As an additional precaution, pregnant women and others at risk for serious illness from listeria should avoid unpasteurized milk products, soft cheeses like brie and queso fresco, and only eat hot dogs, deli meats or cold cuts, sausages, and leftovers that have been heated until steaming. Copyright 1999 Baylor College of Medicine.