Listeriosis, unlike simple halitosis (bad breath), can be deadly. It’s a nasty infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Older people, pregnant women, newborns and anyone with a weakened immune system is particularly at risk.
An indication you might have it is fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other digestive symptoms. But it is an invasive infection, meaning it can spread beyond your gastrointestinal system, possibly causing septicemia and meningitis. In other words, it should be taken seriously.
The FDA has issued a voluntary recall of all frozen fruit and vegetable products from a company called CRF, which the CDC considers the “likely source,” after finding listeria in a number of samples at Costco, Trader Joe’s and other stores under various names. Check the list and don’t delay. This scary infection can also cause death.
