Listeria Question

Hi everyone,

I know I'm probably being paranoid but I'm having trouble finding out exact info about Listeria. I am familiar with all the avoid raw meats, eggs, soft cheeses, pre packaged salads, soft serve ice-creams and things. But I'm not sure about other refrigerated products.

Like store-bought mayonnaise that is safe because it is pasteurised but if you leave it in the fridge for a certain amount of time i.e., 2-4months before you use it all can it get Listeria in it?

We have heaps of things that are "safe" to eat and within their use by date but I wasn't sure if the amount of time they were in the fridge effects them (water jugs, beetroot, sauces, salad dressings, jarred/preserved foods). Even fruits and vegetables that have been in the fridge for over a week but are not "off" is that ok.

This is really confusing me! Any advice would be appreciated thanks!

It is confusing at first but try not to get too paranoid and read into it too much! Remember that listeria in pregnany is actually very rare in Australia.

Here is some good info about listeria: Listeria - the facts: IDEAS - Victorian Government Health Information, Australia (Mods, I hope that is OK!)

HTH!

Any food that is "safe" and kept not contaminated (IE, don't dunk your chicken drumstick in the mayonaisse jar directly) will remain safe until it expires if it is kept as recommended - ie IN the fridge.

Really don't work yourself up about it.

Avoiding it is about using common sense and logic. It is not that complicated.
Always wash fresh fruit and veg before preparing them - ESPECIALLY melons and large fruits which people tend not to wash.
Store food correctly.
Eat all left overs within 24 hours ither cold from the fridge or reheated thoroughly if necessary.
Avoid high risk foods as per your discretion. (like the ones you listed above)
And ensure all foods you eat are prepared in a safe and hygenic manner, and all your utensils etc washed and stored hygenically.e
All of which (bar the high risk foods) are things you SHOULD be doing on an everyday basis to avoid regular forms of food poisoning.

HTH. Honestly, it is not rocket science. Be hygenic always, pregnant or not.

Hi Limeslice and Taureen

Thanks for the info, yes I agree about the good hygiene practices and lol about dunking chicken straight in the mayo.

I lost a 13 wk baby last year after some food poisoning (kebab :(). But I also managed to consume so other items that I felt uncomfortable with and am just trying to prepare myself if I have another pg without being too obsessive.

Does anyone know any info about how ling it takes listeria to grow in refrigerated items? Is that why the soft serve is not encouraged?