The USDA again will remind consumers to always follow the safe handling instructions required on all raw meat and poultry products and cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F to eliminate all risks. Our meat is process at a minimum of 165 internal meat temperatures. Also remember that the meat would have to have been tainted as received from your processor or be introduced by another processor or yourself to ever exhibit this condition in the first place. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis.
Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, and nausea.
Thoroughly reheating food can help kill any bacteria that might be present. If you cannot reheat these foods, do not eat them. Also wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils. Thorough washing helps eliminate any bacteria that might get on your hands or other surfaces from food before it is reheated. You can eat hard cheeses, processed cheeses, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt.