If You Have A Weakened Immune System, What's In Your Fridge Can Kill You

Every year, about 500 people in the U.S. die from listeria, a bacteria that thrives in cold temperatures and can contaminate otherwise safe foods in your fridge. While 500 may seem like a small number, it represents one out of every five people infected by listeria. Those with weakened immune systems, including the very young, elderly, pregnant women, and the sick, are at a heightened risk for listeria infections.

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate raw and undercooked foods, as well as ready-to-eat foods stored in the fridge, such as deli meats and vegetables.

Preventing Listeria Illness for People with Weakened Immune Systems

To reduce the risk of listeria infection, follow these guidelines:

1. Avoid Contamination:

   • Keep your kitchen clean, especially the fridge, to avoid cross-contamination.
   • Be mindful of your food sources, opting for reputable suppliers for meat and dairy products.
   • Store raw vegetables separately from meat and dairy products to prevent contamination.

2. Heat Deli Meats:

   • The CDC recommends heating deli meats to 160 degrees before consuming them. After heating, you can safely eat them cold or at room temperature if you maintain good kitchen hygiene.

3. Avoid High-Risk Foods:

   • Those with weakened immune systems should avoid raw dairy products and consider cooking all their food. While this doesn't mean raw milk and soft cheeses are inherently bad, it's safer for at-risk individuals to avoid them due to the higher risk of listeria.

Why Is Listeria Dangerous?

Listeria infection, though rare, is extremely serious and often fatal. The bacteria have adapted to survive our usual defenses, making them particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations.

Protecting Your Family Against Superbugs

Listeria's resilience is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against superbugs. Here are some steps to help protect your family:

• Practice Safe Food Handling: Regularly clean your kitchen and fridge, and use safe food preparation practices to avoid cross-contamination.
• Stay Informed: Be aware of food recalls and advisories from reputable sources like the CDC.
• Boost Immune Health: Support your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.