Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. While consuming food contaminated with listeria isn't usually serious for most healthy people, it can lead to serious illness, especially for pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, killing about 260 people a year.
The American company BrucePac recalled more than nine million ready-to-eat meat products due to listeria contamination. These products had been distributed to several restaurants and vendors nationwide, and authorities are concerned that these contaminated foods may still be in circulation or stored in refrigerators or freezers.
Click on to learn more about this infection and how to prevent it.