Listeria

[Shanghai]

Ever since the cantaloupe listeria outbreak a couple years ago I feel like I'm playing Russian roulette.
From what I have read it's naturally occurring and found almost everywhere and unless cooked to 165 degrees it could be present.

I've had cantaloupe several times in the last 2-3 weeks
Why would someone continue to eat it knowing it could kill you ? :dunce:

 

[Lucky_P]

Cause you like it?

First big Listeria outbreak and food recall that I remember was from back in the late 70s early 80s - associated with Eskimo Pie ice cream sandwiches.
Mmmmm. Ice Creammm.....
Hot dogs and processed meats make the frequent flyer list, too.

It is a ubiquitous (it's everywhere!) environmental organism that likes neutral to slightly alkaline pH - and will grow quite nicely at refrigerator temperatures - as a matter of fact, that's one of the 'enrichment' techniques we use in the laboratory, when we're looking for Listeria - we incubate the culture media plates in the refrigerator.

 

[guidoLaMoto]

Keep things in perspective: according to the CDC, we average 260 deaths from Listeriosis annually, but 40,000 Americans are slaughtered on our highways each year. Do you avoid driving your car?

 

[cowboy43]

People eat cantaloupe because they like it, same as people use tobacco products, even though they have been proven hazardous to your health, what kills more people cantaloupes or tobacco?