CDC Says Don’t Eat Gourmet Meats If You Are Pregnant or Old
The outbreak of listeriosis is linked to deli meats, according to the CDC. The exact source has not been established, but they say that if you are pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system , do not eat deli meats or take extra precautions.
Listeria bacteria can live at refrigerator temperatures but are killed by the heat. This is why they appear in deli meats (including Italian-style processed meats like salami) and soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. If you’ve ever been told not to eat brie while pregnant, here’s why – although most soft cheeses in US supermarkets are not made with raw milk. Listeria outbreaks have also been linked to lettuce and other foods in the past few years.
If you do not fall into these risk groups, listeriosis is not a serious condition. But if you are pregnant and sick, it could cause a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of your newborn. It can also be a serious medical condition for the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.
The CDC says it is aware of 10 recent cases in which people were hospitalized and one died. Here’s what they say about the source :
- Affected people report eating Italian-style meats such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto.
- People report buying both prepackaged deli meats and cold cuts at grocery counters. An investigation is ongoing to determine if there is a specific deli type or generic supplier associated with the disease.
If you are in one of the high-risk categories (pregnant, the elderly, or those with a weakened immune system), the CDC recommends either avoiding deli meats or heating them just before serving until they get hot. (This is an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit if you can insert a thermometer into salami.)
You should also wash your hands after handling deli meats, clean any surfaces that come in contact with deli meats or juices (such as refrigerator shelves), and make sure that no meats stay in the refrigerator for too long. The meat you buy from the grocery store is usually refrigerated for five days; Factory packaging – two weeks.