Ready-to-Eat Refrigerated Foods
foods are stored in the refrigerator, the more time Listeria has to multiply, which means
larger amounts of bacteria in the foods.
• Clean the refrigerator
regularly. Listeria can spread from one food to another through spills in the refrigerator – so keeping the
refrigerator clean is very important.
If you are a person at increased risk of listeriosis, follow these guidelines: • Don't eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
• Avoid getting fluid from hot dog and lunch meat packages on other foods, utensils, and food preparation surfaces, and wash hands after handling hot
dogs, luncheon meats, and deli meats.
• Do not eat refrigerated pate or meat spreads from a deli or meat counter or from the refrigerated section of a store. If the label says a food does not need refrigeration, like canned or shelf-stable pate and meat spreads, it is safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening.
• Do not eat soft cheese such as feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, brie, Camembert, blue-veined, or panela unless it is labeled "MADE WITH PASTEURIZED MILK.".
