Listeria is a bacterium that causes flu like symptoms in healthy people, but can pose serious health problems to the elderly, young, or those with weakened immune systems. According to numbers in CSPI s brochure, listeria is estimated to strike 2,500 Americans per year, resulting in 500 deaths. An estimated one-third of those cases involve pregnant women and their unborn babies. The listeria bacterium can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, even if the mother exhibits no symptoms. Listeria is most often found in soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk products, undercooked meat, undercooked poultry, seafood, and ready to eat deli products such as hot dogs.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that has been known to cause miscarriage or birth defects.
CSPI stated that while thorough statistics are lacking, some 400 to 6,000 infants are born infected with toxoplasmosis each year. However, several consumer groups reportedly believe that the proposal is toothless and therefore will be ineffective. The EU commissioner for health and consumer affairs, David Byrne, announced the proposal as the first step in establishing a European Food Authority that will oversee such areas as food production, industrial processes, storage, distribution, and retailing. The proposals come in the wake of recent health concerns raised by consumers in Europe, such as the so-called mad cow disease and the dioxide scares. Under the proposal, the first initiative is the establishment of an European Food Authority.