Three nations sound Listeria warnings

Slovakia, New Zealand and Lithuania have issued separate warnings about the dangers of Listeria monocytogenes.

In Slovakia, a regional public health agency informed a local food administration about the death of an elderly man, which may have been caused by the consumption of sheep cheese purchased at a farm in Liptov.

Authorities carried out official controls in the establishment in question and at the production plant of the dairy products supplier, including the implicated sheep’s cheese.

This involved inspecting the hygienic condition of the premises and equipment in both establishments, carrying out sampling and taking measures to prevent further sale of some dairy products.

Results from sampling of sheep’s cheese and some swabs from the environment confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS) is now analyzing these strains through sequencing to identify the type of Listeria. This analysis will determine if there is a connection with the person’s illness.

The patient was also diagnosed with another disease, which reduces the response of the immune system to other infectious agents.

SVPS said it will provide more information upon completion of the epidemiological investigation and after comparing the isolated Listeria strains.

New Zealand
New Zealand Food Safety has advised people to take some practical steps to avoid listeriosis.

There were seven Listeria-related deaths in the country in 2023, with 40 people hospitalized. Last year there were three recalls because of the possible presence of Listeria.

Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general, said: “Listeriosis can be prevented and there are simple steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick. We are working to help some of those most at risk — pregnant and older people — better understand the risks of listeriosis and what to do to decrease them.”

Higher risk foods include ready-to-eat meat products, cold smoked fish, soft cheese like brie and camembert, unpasteurized dairy products, soft serve ice cream, pre-packed sandwiches and salads.

Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow when food is refrigerated. Listeriosis is rare in New Zealand and cases are usually not connected. New Zealand Food Safety requires businesses to manage Listeria in the processing environment and have measures to eliminate its presence in products.

To reduce the risk of listeriosis, the agency said people should cook food thoroughly, and only eat food that was recently prepared.

Lithuania
Lastly, the National Public Health Centre (NVSC) in Lithuania said although incidence in the country is low, the infection can cause extremely serious complications, and the mortality rate remains high.

From January to May this year, 13 cases of listeriosis were registered in Lithuania. Two were fatal but in both people it was not the main cause of death.

NVSC said the best way to protect yourself is to prepare food safely and follow careful hygiene steps. This applies especially to pregnant women, infants, the elderly, or people with immunocompromised conditions.

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