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People at Risk - Pregnant Women and Newborns

CDC estimates that Listeria is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning in the United States. About 1,600 people get sick from Listeria each year, and about 260 die. Pregnant women and their newborns are much more likely to get a Listeria infection, which is called listeriosis.

Pregnant hispanic woman

  • Pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other people to get Listeria infection.

  • Pregnant Hispanic women are 24 times more likely than other people to get Listeria infection.

  • Pregnant women with a Listeria infection can pass the infection to their unborn babies.

  • Listeria infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and preterm labor.

  • Listeria infection can cause serious illness and even death in newborns.

Soft Cheeses and Pregnant Women

Fotonovela
While Pregnant, Be Careful with Queso Fresco

Soft cheese fotonovela small image

English [PDF – 3 pages]
Español [PDF – 3 pages]

Infographic
Check the Cheese, Avoid
Listeria

Soft cheese listeria infographic smaller image

English [PDF – 1 page]
Español [PDF – 1 page]

Food Safety Tips

Veggie stir fry

  • Wash your hands the right way – for 20 seconds with soap and running water.
  • Use a thermometer to make sure your refrigerator is 40°F or lower and your freezer is 0°F or lower.
  • Keep raw meat away from fresh produce and other ready-to-eat food, to avoid contamination.
  • Thaw or marinate foods in the refrigerator, never on the counter or in the kitchen sink.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables (even if you plan to peel them), but do not wash meat, poultry or eggs!
  • Use separate cutting boards for raw produce and for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
  • Use a food thermometer to be sure food is cooked to its proper temperature.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow covered containers and use within 3-4 days.
  • Know when to throw food out.

Learn more about food safety

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