Articles Tagged with ''listeria''

This article examines control of Listeria contamination of meat and poultry products by smaller-scale meat/poultry producers.

A foodborne listeriosis outbreak in Ireland has sickened nine people and resulted in one death. Preliminary investigation results suggest the likely cause are ready-to-heat meals produced by Ballymaguire Foods, sold under a variety of brand names at major retailers. Recalls have been initiated in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

FDA and CDC have closed their investigation into a Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat products produced by Fresh and Ready Foods of San Fernando, California, announcing that one of the ten people who fell ill has died. 

A study suggests that some food matrices (i.e., smoked fish and soft cheese) significantly increase the ability of Listeria monocytogenes to adapt, survive digestion, and cause infection. Based on the findings, modulating the fat and protein content in food could be one potential way to reduce L. monocytogenes risk.

USDA-FSIS and public health partners are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that currently includes 17 ill people in 13 states. As of June 17, 2025, there have been three reported deaths and one fetal loss associated with this outbreak.

The latest annual epidemiological data also show rising trends in disease severity related to STEC infections and listeriosis.

Using 1,204 samples collected during 2016–2023, the researchers observed statistically significant reductions in the median time from sample collection to the issuance of a national genomic surveillance report to 26 days, despite sample numbers doubling in 2022 and 2023.

In the study, researchers analyzed the entire genome of over 1,600 Listeria strains. These DNA profiles were used to train a machine learning model that learned to identify genetic patterns associated with resistance to disinfectants commonly used in the food industry. 

According to FDA, between 2018 and 2025, 42 people were sickened and 14 died across 21 states after consuming Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated Sysco Imperial and Lyons ReadyCare Frozen Supplemental Shakes that were served at long-term care facilities and hospitals. 

In 2024, UKHSA investigated seven listeriosis outbreaks across England and Wales, linked to various food products including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage and pre-packed sandwiches.