listeria

It seems like we were talking just about a Colorado cantaloupe recall, and unfortunately, you might need to steer clear of this melon once again. The North Carolina company Burch Farms has recalled tens of thousands of cantaloupes and honeydew melons due to possible food poisoning.

The FDA reported finding the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) on a honeydew melon grown and packed by Burch Farms. Although no one has confirmed getting sick, this bacteria can cause listeriosis with symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other tummy issues. Although older adults, pregnant women, and babies are most at risk, it can also (although rarely) affect other people. Illness can show up anywhere from a few days to more than two months after eating contaminated food.

See which states are affected after the break!

Listeria-tainted cantaloupes have now affected at least 14 states including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and California. So far, 55 infections and eight deaths have been confirmed, and even more are suspected. Local, state, and federal health experts are investigating the increasing outbreak connected to whole cantaloupes grown in the Rocky Ford-region of Colorado and shipped by supplier Jensen Farms of Holly, CO. The FDA issued a cantaloupe recall on Sept. 14, after tests revealed victims were infected with four strains of listeria. Jenson Farms is fully cooperating with health officials to determine the cause of the outbreak.

The whole cantaloupes may be marked by one of two stickers: A green and white sticker that reads: Product of USA — Frontera Produce — Colorado Fresh — Rocky Ford Cantaloupe. Or, a gray, yellow, and green sticker that reads: Jensen Farms — Sweet Rocky Fords. If you've purchased cantaloupe from this company, throw it out ASAP. Even if you've eaten the melon and haven't gotten sick, ditch the fruit anyway as infections can arise up to two months after eating a food contaminated with listeria. Also, the FDA warns people not to attempt to wash away the bacteria as both the inside and outside of the melons might be contaminated.

I'm sure you have tons of questions about listeriosis, so keep reading to learn more about this infection, and find out what you can do to prevent getting sick.

Hold the Brie, cut some of the charcuterie, and table the tuna tartare! Even sans the champagne, the wedding feast is a decadent meal, but expectant mamas may want to take a few precautions when it comes to planning their menu. Being with child means that women have to be mindful of foods that can cause Listeria. According to WebMD, Listeriosis is food poisoning caused by eating contaminated foods. It's dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to premature babies, newborn infections, and stillbirth. The bacteria is found in soil and water:

• Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer.
• Animals can carry the bacteria and can contaminate meats and dairy products.
• Processed foods, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts, can be contaminated after processing.
• Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk can be contaminated.

Foods that can cause listeria include unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked proteins. For the full list of items pregnant brides should consider not consuming, check out this list.

CurleyQ posted this question in the Ask Anything box. She wondered if anyone else's doctor told them not to eat deli meats unless they were heated thoroughly due to the bacteria "listeria"?

According to WebMD, Listeriosis is food poisoning caused by eating contaminated foods. It's dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to premature babies, newborn infections, and stillbirth. It said that the bacteria is found in soil and water:

• Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer.
• Animals can carry the bacteria and can contaminate meats and dairy products.
• Processed foods, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts, can be contaminated after processing.
• Unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk can be contaminated.

Both my doctor and BabySugar's doctor advised us against eating certain foods as a precaution. BabySugar compiled this list of foods to avoid while expecting based on the one she received in her hospital pregnancy packet. Check it out.