The bacteria called Listeria are bad news. Eating food
contaminated with Listeria can make you so sick that you have to
be hospitalized. For certain vulnerable people, the illness can
be fatal. Listeria has been most recently linked to fresh
produce, but past cases of Listeria have been connected to a
variety of ready-to-eat foods. These foods include unpasteurized
milk and dairy products, Mexican-style or soft cheeses made with
unpasteurized milk, processed deli meats, hot dogs, smoked
seafood, and store-prepared deli-salads. Listeria can grow in
the fridge Unlike most bacteria, Listeria germs can grow and
spread in the refrigerator. If you unknowingly refrigerate
Listeria contaminated food, the germs could contaminate your
refrigerator and spread to other foods, increasing the risk that
you and your family will become sick. Preventing the spread of
Listeria To prevent the spread of Listeria, wash all fruits and
vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting, or
cooking, even if you plan to peel