4. Why are Listeria a Problem?

Illness

Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in both humans and animals. Symptoms in susceptible people can range from flu-like symptoms to meningitis and death. People most at risk include:

pregnant women
unborn and new born babies
the elderly
the sick (immuno-compromised)

Types of Food

Many different types of food have been implicated as the source of Listeria infections. Generally these have been prepared foods with a high moisture content and low acidity that are ready-to-eat. These types of foods are referred to as high risk foods.

Examples of high risk foods include:

prepared salads
processed meats
smoked products
soft cheeses
blanched vegetables
processed fish products
raw seafood
other perishable, ready-to-eat foods.

Loss of Business

Your customers rely on you to provide them with safe food. Break this trust and you stand to lose your reputation and market access.

All information on this website is subject to a disclaimer.

Contact for enquiries

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
68-86 Jervois Quay
PO Box 2835
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 2500
Fax: +64 4 894 2501

Contact NZFSA about this page