Listeria Prevention: Heat Deli Meat
Each year there are only about 1000 reports of Listeria monocytogenes in the United States. The fatality rate, however, is 25%, the highest rate for a foodborne illness. Because many listeria outbreaks are linked to deli meat, particularly deli turkey, extra precautions should be taken. According to a March 23, 2006, article in the Kansas City Star, Fadi Aramouni with the Food Science Institute at Kansas State University recommends heating deli meats or cold cuts to reduce the risk of Listeria, particularly if the meat is going to be eaten by someone in a high-risk group, including the very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. The meat could be microwaved, grilled, or cooked in boiling water.
Fred Pritzker is currently lead attorney for victims of the 2002 Northeast United States listeriosis outbreak that killed 12 people and injured more than 50 others. In this Listeria lawsuit, the listeriosis was linked to deli turkey. "Consumers cannot buy deli meat and assume it is safe to eat. If deli meat is contaminated with Listeria bacteria, people will become seriously ill if they eat it, unless the Listeria has been killed with heat."
