Treatment & Prevention Options For Listeria

Careful Food Preparation

Careful food preparation is one of the best ways to prevent the development of listeria. As the bacteria are foodborne, practicing proper preparation techniques is essential for staying healthy. When preparing and handling food, always take care to wash your hands, especially when handling raw food. All fresh vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed well before consumption. Make sure to cook all foods of animal origin (eggs, meat, and dairy) thoroughly. After cutting raw meat, do not use the same cutting board or knife on another product until after washing them in warm, soapy water. All frozen foods should be properly defrosted in the fridge or microwave as well. When in doubt, cook your food a bit longer, as the process can kill bacteria.

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Washing Hands

Washing your hands regularly is a healthy habit to have, regardless of whether or not you are handling food. However, it's particularly important if you are dealing with food you or someone else will consume. Running your hands under water for a second is not sufficient. Using soap and scrubbing all areas of your hands for at least thirty seconds is much more effective at killing bacteria. Be sure to get in every crevice, and don't forget to get underneath the nails, as those areas are havens for bacteria to hide in and multiply. After washing your hands, use an air-dryer. If you don't have access to one of these, make sure to use a clean towel, so you don't reverse the effects from washing your hands. Bacteria can remain on dirty towels, so always have a clean one around.

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