夏天，千万要重视这个“冰箱杀手”！

Core Viewpoint - Listeria monocytogenes poses a significant health risk, especially during summer, as it can contaminate refrigerated ready-to-eat foods, leading to serious infections in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals [1][4][5] Group 1: Infection Symptoms - Symptoms of Listeria infection can vary; healthy adults may experience mild symptoms like diarrhea and fever, while vulnerable groups may face severe complications including headaches, fever, muscle pain, and neurological issues [4][5] - The incubation period for Listeria can be lengthy, ranging from a few days to over two months, complicating the identification of the food source [1] Group 2: Food Sources of Listeria - Listeria can be found in a variety of foods, particularly those that are refrigerated, such as unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, salads, and pre-cut fruits [6][8] - The bacteria thrive in low-acid environments and can survive in vacuum-packed foods, making certain processed meats a potential risk [6] Group 3: Food Storage Precautions - To minimize the risk of Listeria contamination, it is crucial to maintain refrigerator temperatures at or below 4°C, as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures above 5°C [10][12] - Proper food storage practices include placing milk and raw meat towards the back of the fridge, separating raw meat from ready-to-eat foods, and avoiding overcrowding to ensure adequate air circulation [12]