Listeria Listeria is a food-borne illness caused by bacteria that is able to grow in the refrigerator. In recent years outbreaks have been linked to contaminated coleslaw, milk, and cheese.
Listeria is caused by bacteria found in soil, water and plant matter.
Listeria can be present in raw milk and soft cheese products or raw vegetables. Poultry, meats like hot dogs and lunch meat and prepared, ready-to eat foods may also have the bacteria. Flu-like symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills and fever in otherwise healthy adults generally begin 2 to 3 days after contaminated food is eaten. In newborn infants, it can cause meningitis which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, severe retardation and even death. The elderly and those who are already ill or who have lowered immunity are also at high risk after eating food contaminated by listeria.