同日，卢森堡食品安全局通报，在卢森堡超市发现一款可能受李斯特菌污染的法国奶酪，上市日期为今 年6月26日。为防止李斯特菌疫情蔓延，涉事超市已将这款奶酪全部下架。(完) 李斯特菌是一种常见致病菌，可在冰箱冷藏室低温环境下存活，主要通过受病菌污染的食品传播。老 人、孕妇、幼儿、慢性病患者等免疫力较差人群一旦感染，或发展为菌血症、败血症、脑膜炎等疾病， 最终可导致死亡。 中新社布鲁塞尔8月13日电 (记者德永健)比利时政府13日证实，近日在法国暴发的李斯特菌疫情蔓延至 比利时，现已确诊一例与法国疫情相关的李斯特菌感染病例。 本轮法国疫情源自受李斯特菌污染的奶酪，迄今报告20多例确诊病例，其中两人死亡。作为法国的邻 国，比利时、卢森堡等国极易受到波及。 比利时联邦食品链安全局发言人当日向媒体通报一例李斯特菌感染病例，但未透露患者具体情况，仅证 实引发感染的李斯特菌菌株与法国李斯特菌疫情的致病菌株相匹配。 比利时联邦食品链安全局报告一例确诊病例后，比利时通讯社等多家媒体报道，为避免疫情进一步蔓 延，比利时家乐福等大型超市已将6款法国奶酪及6款鱼类制品下架，比利时联邦食品链安全局亦敦促消 费者切勿食用这12款可能受李斯特 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent news regarding Listeria infection from consuming frozen meat has raised public awareness about the risks associated with food safety, particularly in summer when refrigerator usage increases [1] Group 1: Characteristics of Listeria - Listeria monocytogenes is a highly resilient foodborne pathogen known for its ability to survive in cold temperatures, including -20°C, making refrigerators a suitable environment for its growth [2] - It can thrive in dry and high-salt conditions and is commonly found in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces, leading to potential contamination in the food supply chain [2] Group 2: Health Risks Associated with Listeria - Infection can lead to severe health issues such as meningitis and encephalitis, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals [3] - Pregnant women face significantly higher risks, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal sepsis due to Listeria's ability to cross the placental barrier [3] Group 3: Prevention Measures - To prevent Listeria infection, it is crucial to maintain refrigerator temperatures below 4°C for the cooling compartment and -18°C for the freezing compartment, along with regular cleaning [4] - It is recommended to separate raw and cooked foods in the refrigerator and adhere to the "74°C heating rule" to ensure thorough cooking of potentially contaminated foods [4] - High-risk groups should avoid consuming unpasteurized soft cheeses and undercooked ready-to-eat meats, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the risks associated with consuming fruits stored in refrigerators during summer, particularly focusing on Listeria monocytogenes, which poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and young children [3][4]. Group 1: Food Safety Risks - Listeria monocytogenes is a major concern for pregnant women, as it can lead to severe health consequences [3]. - The bacterium is resilient in low-temperature environments, making refrigerated foods a potential source of infection [3]. - Fruits and vegetables can carry Listeria due to contact with contaminated water and soil during growth [3]. Group 2: High-Risk Foods - Certain foods, including cold dishes, unpackaged cooked meats, and some frozen products from small manufacturers, are identified as high-risk for Listeria contamination [3]. - The summer and autumn seasons are particularly prone to foodborne illnesses, with the World Health Organization reporting 420,000 deaths annually from such diseases [4]. Group 3: Prevention Measures - Key food safety practices include maintaining cleanliness, using safe water and ingredients, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking thoroughly, and keeping food at safe temperatures [5]. - It is recommended to wash fruits thoroughly with running water and to consume whole fruits rather than pre-cut varieties to minimize risk [8]. - For vulnerable groups, it is advised to avoid high-risk foods and ensure proper food handling and storage practices [3][8].

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]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dangers of Listeria monocytogenes, commonly known as Listeria, particularly in relation to food safety and its impact on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and pregnant women [6][10][11]. Group 1: Listeria Infection Cases - A case is highlighted where a 67-year-old man died after contracting Listeria from a Swiss roll, emphasizing the severe consequences of such infections [1]. - Previous reports indicate that elderly individuals have also faced similar risks after consuming refrigerated leftovers, with varying outcomes from recovery to fatalities [3]. Group 2: Characteristics of Listeria - Listeria is often referred to as the "fridge killer" due to its ability to thrive in refrigerated environments, surviving temperatures as low as -1.5°C [6][8]. - The bacterium can grow and reproduce within host cells, evading the immune system and potentially spreading to various organs [8][10]. Group 3: Symptoms and Vulnerable Populations - Symptoms of Listeria infection can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe conditions like meningitis and sepsis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems [11]. - Pregnant women are at heightened risk, as Listeria can lead to miscarriage or severe illness in newborns [11][13]. Group 4: Food Safety and Listeria Outbreaks - Historical outbreaks linked to Listeria have involved contaminated ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and melons, resulting in significant fatalities [15][17]. - A recent outbreak in the U.S. was associated with ready-to-eat sandwiches, highlighting ongoing food safety concerns [17]. Group 5: Refrigerator Temperature Management - Research indicates that many households do not maintain the recommended refrigerator temperature of 4°C or below, which is crucial for preventing Listeria growth [20][22]. - Specific recommendations include storing ready-to-eat meats on lower shelves and regularly checking refrigerator temperatures to ensure food safety [22][23].