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Listeria: the dangerous bacteria that could be hiding in your fridge

It's one of the leading causes of death from food illness. Here's how to avoid getting sick.

Updated on October 17, 2024

woman taking vegetables from refrigerator
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Food manufacturers and suppliers work hard to bring you safe products, but despite their best efforts that doesn’t always happen. One common food-borne pathogen (or bug) that crops up regularly in a variety of foods is listeria (also known as listeria monocytogenes). The bacteria has caused contamination and recalls in recent years of foods including peaches, plums,Show More

bacteria culture
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What’s in a name?

Listeria is a type of bacteria. Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria enters the body when someone eats tainted food. There, it attacks the intestinal lining, causing diarrhea and other gastrointestinal trouble.

In certain high-risk groups,Show More

ambulance, 911
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Uncommon but serious

Though it’s one of the leading causes of death from food illnesses in the United States, listeriosis isn’t actually all that common. Yes, it’s one of the top reasons for food recalls and has been linked to a number of outbreaks in recent years. But only about 1,600 Americans get sick each year fromShow More

man looking in empty fridge
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Refrigerator perils

Listeria is an unusual bug because it can grow in cold temperatures, including in the refrigerator. It's important to keep your fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and your freezer at 0 degrees F or lower. Listeria can grow at those temperatures, but it will be slower. Make sure to cleanShow More

cheese, brie, sharp cheddar, bleu cheese
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Listeria-prone foods

Listeria can be found growing on a number of meats, produce, and dairy products, but is most commonly associated with:

  • Deli meats and hot dogs
  • Meat spreads
  • Unpasteurized milk and dairy
  • Soft cheeses like queso fresco, feta, brie, and Camembert, particularly those made with unpasteurized milk
  • Smoked
  • Show More
pregnancy
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Who’s most at risk?

Anyone can get an upset stomach from listeria, but pregnant people, older people, and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for the bacteria to spread beyond the stomach and cause serious complications. More than half of all listeria infections happen to people 65 and older.Show More

toilet, bathroom
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Symptoms

Symptoms of a listeria infection include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Muscle aches

If you have a high fever or stiff neck, call your healthcare provider (HCP) right away. Symptoms usually start one to four weeks after being exposed to the bacteria but can start as earlyShow More

blood test
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Diagnosing and treating listeriosis

How do you know if it’s listeria causing your diarrhea? The best way for HCPs to tell is by taking a blood sample.

As for treatment, there’s some the good news: If you suspect you’ve eaten something contaminated with listeria, but symptoms don’t show up or they’re mild, you’re likely in the clearShow More

washing hands
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Preventing listeria infections

Aside from keeping your fridge cold, here are some more tips for preventing listeriosis.

  • Stay away from raw unpasteurized milk and anything made with it.
  • Wash your hands, knives, counters, and cutting boards after preparing food.
  • Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating them.
  • Keep
  • Show More
researchers, scientists, labs
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How to find out more

Watch for symptoms and call your HCP—especially if you’re pregnant or older—if you’re worried that you’ve eaten something that may have been contaminated by listeria. You can track food recalls on the FDA's website and food outbreaks with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): Listeria Outbreaks. Last reviewed November 17, 2022.
USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service. Recalls & Public Health Alerts. Accessed November 28, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis). Last reviewed November 17, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): Questions and Answers. Last reviewed October 25, 2022.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Listeria (Listeriosis). Current as of July 20, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): People at Risk. Last reviewed November 8, 2022.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Get the Facts About Listeria. Current as of August 3, 2020.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. What You Need to Know About Preventing Listeria Infections. Current as of March 22, 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): Prevention. Page last reviewed July 18, 2022.
Mayo Clinic. Listeria infection. February 11, 2022.
Better Health Channel (AU). Food poisoning – listeria. Reviewed October 10, 2021.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Listeria and Pregnancy. Last reviewed August 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): Symptoms. Page last reviewed May 3, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria (Listeriosis): Diagnosis & Treatment. Page last reviewed May 3, 2022.

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