Context

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning that occurs when a person eats food contaminated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, commonly known as Listeria. Listeria is widespread in the environment. It is found in soil, vegetation, animal feed and in the stools of humans and animals. Although foods contaminated by Listeria may look, smell and taste normal, eating them can cause a foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning”.

Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

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Did you know?

  • Listeriosis is a serious illness that can lead to complications, sequela and even death.
  • Listeriosis mainly affects pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.
  • Listeriosis is transmitted by foods contaminated by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
  • The infection often causes septicemia (blood poisoning) and/or meningitis encephalitis (an infection of the brain or its surrounding tissues). Almost everyone who is infected ends up in the hospital.
  • Some foods are more likely to be contaminated by Listeria (e.g. ready-to-eat foods, deli meats, soft and semi-soft cheeses, frozen meat pies and meat spreads, smoked fish and seafood)
  • Simple preventive measures can reduce the risk of contracting listeriosis.

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Are you a health professional?

If you are interested in learning more on this subject, we suggest you read the "Listeriosis" page (in French) on the website of Montréal's Director of public health.

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Target population

Because listeriosis affects vulnerable people in particular, it is essential that they be made aware of the risks and take measures to avoid getting sick. The risks of listeriosis are high for
•    children under one year of age;
•    people over 60;
•    pregnant women;
•    people with compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer, immune-suppressive treatment); and
•    people with chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, AIDS).

Visit the websites listed below for preventive measures recommended for vulnerable persons:

Measures to reduce the risk of Listeriosis for consumers – see Health Canada's website Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 

Foods to avoid and recommendations for people considered to be at "high risk"
Safer food substitutes that reduce the risk of contracting Listeriosis and other foodborne diseases Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 

The Government of Canada has also published food safety guides for vulnerable groups:

Food safety for pregnant women Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 
Safe food handling for adults 60+ Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 
Food Safety Tips for People with Weakened Immune Systems Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 

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Practical advice

What can you do to prevent or protect yourself?

To learn more about listeriosis, see the fact sheet of the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 

Whom should you contact to get help?

Contact Info-Santé at 811 or see a doctor.

Where can you find additional, credible information?

Public Health Agency of Canada – Listeriosis (Listeria) Outbreak Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 
Public Health Agency of Canada – Data sheet on Listeriosis Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 
Website of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre.  (in french only)

Where to look for information on food recalls?

You can get information on recalled foods:
•    by calling 1-800-442-2342 or visiting the CFIA website Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. 
•    by calling 1-888-222-MAPA (6272) or visiting the MAPAQ website Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. .

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