LISTEROSIS WARNING

Morning Steemers

There seems to be a lot of concern about what fresh foods may be contaminated with listeriosis, a potentially deadly bacteria, so this is by way of a public service announcement because people seem very confused after the government announcement yesterday as well as notices that supermarkets are getting rid of some foods.

• DO NOT EAT any processed meat that you don't normally cook before eating. This means polony, viennas, cold meats, sandwich meat, Russians, choriso, salami, etc. Another thing to avoid is chicken products from Rainbow Chickens - they found the bacteria at their factory and also at the Enterprise factory. (A lot of supermarkets are pulling these foods from their shelves today, this is what it is about, if you have any in your fridge, you should throw it away as well.)
• DON'T buy food at roadside stalls, especially chicken and meat products as they could be contaminated - you have no way of knowing where these came from, how long they stood in the sun, whether they were made today or yesterday or the day before, there is no cold chain, etc.
• Thoroughly wash ALL fresh produce, especially salad greens (e.g. lettuce, spinach and kale), tomatoes, cucumber, fresh fruit, etc. Add a dash of vinegar to the water to kill any bacteria. It's probably a good idea to do this with produce that you peel too.
• Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, HIV/AIDs, MS, etc are at high risk.
  Ensure that food is cooked properly before eating.