Foodborne outbreak caused by bacteria in frozen vegetables forced authorities to launch an alert

A recent outbreak of listeriosis – a bacterial infection caused by listeria – in Europe has alarmed some people because some people mention frozen vegetables that have not been cooked enough, but several health organizations have said that It is safe to eat vegetables

"Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), usually associated with the consumption of contaminated food."

The Authority (EFSA) reports on its website that since 2015 some cases of listeriosis related to frozen maize from a company in Hungary have affected consumers in Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. and United Kingdom

Since then and until June 8, 47 cases have been reported, including 9 The researchers say that the same Listeria monocytogenes was detected in other frozen vegetables from the same Hungarian firm in 2016, 2017 and 2018. This meant that, despite the disinfection of the site, the bacteria remained in the June 29, 2018, food health authorities removed from the market all frozen vegetables produced by the company, although It is possible that a few more cases will appear, given the long incubation period that can reach 70 days.

Direct contact with animals (tanks)

Consumption of Contaminated Food and Feed of Animal Origin

Some Data to Consider for Listeriosis

How is the bacterium transmitted?

– From the mother to the fetus (vertical) or during passage into the infected genital canal

The most contaminated foods and food products – Crustaceans, molluscs or crustaceans

– Milk and unpasteurized derivatives

– Raw and Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

– Raw Meat and Poultry or Cow

– Most Healthy Adults Do not Develop Disease After Infection

– Listeriosis, similar to Other foodborne diseases frequently manifested by gastroenteritis with fever, nausea and diarrhea

– The disease has an average incubation period of 3 weeks, ranging from 3 to 70 days

– In pregnant women, most infections are asymptomatic or mimic a flu-like syndrome. However, abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth or serious illness can occur in the newborn

Source: General Health Directorate