Listeria infections (listeriosis) are caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
October 06, 2025
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General cause of listeriosis
Symptoms of listeria infection can include headache, fever, changes in mental status, difficulty walking, seizures, stiff neck, muscle aches, and fatigue.
October 06, 2025
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Common clinical presentations of listeriosis as described by public health guidance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) accepts consumer complaints about food products, and such complaints can prompt FSIS investigations or regulatory actions.
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FSIS is the USDA agency responsible for inspecting and regulating meat and poultry products; consumer complaints are a pathway for identifying potential food safety issues.
USDA-inspected meat and poultry products bear an establishment number that is printed inside the USDA mark of inspection or elsewhere on the product packaging to identify the processing establishment.
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Establishment numbers on packaging are used to identify the specific processing facility responsible for a product.
Foreign materials such as pieces of wood embedded in batter can contaminate manufactured food products, can cause consumer injuries, and can result in product recalls.
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safety
Physical contaminants in food are a recognized food safety hazard that can lead to consumer harm and regulatory recalls.
Listeria infections can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
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Risk groups for severe outcomes from listeria infection.
Common symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
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Typical clinical presentation of listeriosis.