Several people in Ontario have become sick with listeriosis in an outbreak that triggered a national recall of certain plant-based milks that may have been contaminated with Listeria. What is Listeria? The Listeria bacterium is found in soil, sewage and untreated water. It can also be found in foods such as meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
Story continues below advertisement How does the bacterium get into food? Listeria can get into fruits and vegetables if contaminated water is used on crops. They can also become contaminated from Listeria in soil and manure-based fertilizers. Food manufacturing and processing facilities can also spread the bacteria if contaminated water or contaminated ingredients are used there, Health Canada says.
The latest health and medical news emailed to you every Sunday. McMaster University microbiologist Lori Burrows says Listeria can also get into food or liquids if surfaces or equipment in processing plants aren’t sufficiently disinfected. 3:01 Health Matters: 9 people in Ontario have contracted listeriosis, warning issued over Silk brand products What is listeriosis? Listeriosis is an illness caused by consumption of Listeria-contaminated food or water.
Story continues below advertisement It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. The illness can also spread through contact with infected animals, but it’s generally not spread between people, public health officials say. Trending Now ‘Flopping’ Argen.
