Listeria Explained: Risks and Simple Ways to Stay Safe
Ever heard of Listeria and wondered why it pops up in food news? It’s a type of bacteria that can grow in many foods, especially those kept cold. Unlike some germs, Listeria can survive in your fridge for a long time, making it a hidden threat if you’re not careful.
How Listeria Gets Into Your Food
Listeria loves moisture and low temperatures. That’s why you’ll often find it in ready‑to‑eat meals, soft cheeses, deli meats, and even raw vegetables. If a food factory’s cleaning routine slips, the bacteria can hitch a ride and spread to other products. At home, cross‑contamination can happen when raw meat juices touch ready‑to‑eat items or when you store food in a crowded fridge.
Spotting Symptoms and When to Act
Symptoms usually show up a few days to a couple of weeks after you eat contaminated food. Common signs are fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant people, seniors, and anyone with a weak immune system need to be extra alert—Listeria can cause serious complications for them, like miscarriage or severe infection.
If you feel any of these symptoms after a risky meal, call a doctor right away. Early treatment with antibiotics works well, but waiting can make things much harder to manage.
Now, let’s talk about easy steps you can take to lower the risk. First, keep your fridge at 4°C (40°F) or below and your freezer at –18°C (0°F). Second, throw out anything past its use‑by date, especially soft cheeses and deli slices. Third, wash fresh produce under running water before you eat or cook it.
When cooking, make sure meats reach safe internal temperatures—use a food thermometer if you can. For leftovers, cool them quickly and store them in shallow containers. This reduces the time Listeria has to multiply.
Lastly, be smart about grocery shopping. Choose products from reputable brands, and check that packaging isn’t damaged. If a deli meat package looks torn or a cheese block has cracks, it’s better to skip it.
By staying aware of where Listeria hides and following these simple habits, you can protect yourself and your loved ones without adding stress to your kitchen routine. Keep your fridge clean, your food fresh, and your mind at ease.
Listeria Alert: Cheese Recall Hits Tesco and Spar Stores Across Ireland
An urgent recall has been issued for 18 cheese varieties sold at Tesco and Spar in Ireland due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall includes cheeses with best-before dates in May 2025, from brands like Spar, Horgans, and Old Irish Creamery, with flavors such as Chilli and Irish Whiskey. Consumers are urged to return the products for a refund, as symptoms from Listeria can be severe.
