A–Z Glossary

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures and contaminate ready-to-eat foods.

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Deli meats and processed meat risks during pregnancy

Deli meats and processed meat risks during pregnancy

Why deli meats are treated differently in pregnancy Deli meats are often ready-to-eat foods. That convenience is part of the problem: they may be eaten without a final cooking step that would kill bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate foods during processing, slicing, packaging, or handling, and it has a notable ability to survive and grow […]

Can you eat cheese and soft cheese risks during pregnancy

Can you eat cheese and soft cheese risks during pregnancy

The short answer: yes, but choose cheese carefully Yes, many pregnant people can eat cheese. The safest options are typically cheeses made with pasteurized milk and handled under good food-safety conditions. Hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, gouda, edam, Swiss, and many firm block cheeses are usually lower risk because they contain less moisture and […]

Food safety rules and listeria risk foods during pregnancy

Food safety rules and listeria risk foods during pregnancy

Why Listeria matters in pregnancy Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, water, animals, and food-processing environments. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, it can survive and grow at refrigerator temperatures. This makes it especially relevant to refrigerated ready-to-eat foods that are stored for days, handled after cooking, or eaten without further heating. Pregnancy involves complex […]