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Listeriosis outbreak linked to unsanitary conditions at processing facility
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Safe processing and handling of fresh produce are integral to preventing foodborne outbreaks, according to study data published online.
Jeffrey T. McCollum, DVM, MPH, formerly of the CDC, and colleagues reported on an outbreak of listeriosis linked to cantaloupes that occurred from August to October 2011. One hundred forty-seven cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection were reported in 28 states, including 33 deaths.
This particular outbreak was noteworthy, McCollum and colleagues wrote, because it was the first reported outbreak of listeriosis associated with fresh, whole produce.
The researchers noted some common characteristics among those who got sick; specifically, that they were aged at least 60 years and were often immunocompromised.
The outbreak also affected four pregnant women and three infants, with one of these cases resulted in miscarriage attributed to listeriosis.
The contaminated cantaloupes were linked to one Colorado grower, and unsanitary handling practices were the likely source of contamination, the researchers said.
“This outbreak highlights the importance of preventing produce contamination within farm and processing environments,” the researchers said.
Jeffrey T. McCollum, DVM, MPH, can be reached at jeffrey.mccollum@us.army.mil.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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