Listerosis And Vulnerable Groups Including The Elderly, Pregnant Women, Individuals With Weakened Immune Systems And The Newborn
The Institute of Food Science & Technology, has authorised this Advisory Statement, dated May 2009, as an IFST contribution to National Food Safety Week, which runs from 15-21 June 2009, organised by the Food Standards Agency. Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism causes serious illness in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems and the newborn. Listeria monocytogenes is well-suited to growth and survival in foods, even if these are stored in the refrigerator, and is a major concern in ready-to-eat foods. Listeria are common in the environment and can be introduced into food by contact with contaminated surfaces or kitchen utensils.