The bacteria, listeria monocytogenes, can be found in unpasteurized milk, raw meat, soft cheeses, pates, smoked seafood, hot dogs, lunch meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and severe illness or even death in newborns.
In addition to pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for contracting listeriosis and other foodborne illnesses. Luckily, listeria can be killed with proper cooking. Don't eat raw or undercooked eggs, that includes foods that contain raw eggs such as Caesar salads, homemade mayonnaise, and some custards. Don't drink raw or unpasteurized milk or food made from raw milk. Don't consume soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue, and Mexican-style soft white types such as queso blanco and queso fresco.