Tag Archives: CDC

Making Sense of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes (ABC News)

Listeria monocytogenes (ABC News)

The Centers for Disease Control estimates “approximately 1600 illnesses and 260 deaths due to listeriosis [infection caused by listeria] occur annually in the United States.” Even though responsible for fewer illnesses than other pathogens that are out there, listeria’s relatively high mortality rate (especially for certain segments of the population) naturally resonates with both consumers and food producers as a focus for concern. This has especially been the case with numerous high-profile listeria cases making headlines in the past several months.

Consumers may be surprised to find out that, opposed to being some isolated super-bug, “Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soil and water. Animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill and can contaminate foods of animal origin, such as meats and dairy products.” Beyond that, food processors, understanding the threat that listeria presents, are especially concerned with the fact that: “When Listeria bacteria get into a food processing factory, they can live there for years, sometimes contaminating food products.”

So what is to be done to combat listeria?   Consumers can check out information on prevention from the CDC here and information from the FDA on proper handling of ready-to-eat, refrigerated foods here. The continuing presence of listeria in the headlines will no doubt also give pause for many food processors to review internal practices/standards, and review local, state, and federal resources to address the issue. Fortunately, risks can be minimized by utilizing programs and products that target some of the following areas: cleaning and sampling; ensuring proper temperatures when processing and handling food; and separating foods and parts of the production/preparation process to avoid cross-contamination.

To assist producers find products that can be of use, Nelson-Jameson has compiled a collection of products, including testing/sampling supplies, color-coded products, and numerous other offerings to both test for and prevent listeria concerns. You can check out these products here.

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Don’t Get Pinned Down By Norovirus This Winter

graphic_970pxThe June issue of the CDC’s Vital Signs discusses the disturbing fact, that when it comes to norovirus: “…the amount of virus particles that fit on the head of a pin would be enough to infect more than 1000 people.” Not only that, but this tough contender can withstand freezing, as well as temperatures up to 140˚F; it causes 19-21 million illnesses in the United States alone; and it holds the championship belt for being the “most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States”!

However, norovirus does not have to prevail this winter (a time when the illness frequently shows up). One simple, but very effective treatment is out there that can limit the spread of norovirus: hand-washing. Though it may be common knowledge for folks working in the food industry, it’s good for us to take a step back and remind ourselves of the significant responsibility we play in preventing the spread of norovirus. A massive 70% of contaminated (norovirus) food outbreaks are caused by infected food workers. With the virus’s ability to live and thrive in numerous environments, hand-washing is our best way to say “no” to norovirus all year long.

…and Nelson-Jameson is here to do our part!   That’s why we have compiled a wide line of hand hygiene products meant to take on the challenge.  Our selection of soaps, signage, hand dryers, and towels are there to assist in the struggle to contain this formidable opponent.  We even offer Glo-Germ products, meant to help in training/demonstrating proper hand-washing techniques to employees.   Call us for more information or to get a copy of our “Hand Hygiene Products” catalog.

To check out more about the importance of hand-washing, check out this site from the CDC concerning how “Clean Hands Save Lives,” or our Learning Center article on Hand Hygiene.

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