Q11. What is listeria?

A11. The listeria monocytogenes bacteria are found in food, soil, untreated water and plants. These bacteria invade cells within the intestine in humans and release toxins which cause food poisoning but can also spread to other parts of the body.

Listeria is especially problematic for pregnant women.

It is found in foods such as butter, unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses, pates and cooked meats and smoked salmon.

Find out more in our listeria section.

FAQS Index : Food Poisoning FAQ

Food Poisoning FAQs

1. What causes food poisoning?
2. Who is more likely to get food poisoning?
3. Is food poisoning worse for some people than others?
4. Can the symptoms of food poisoning be mistaken for another illness?
5. Who has a higher risk of food poisoning?
6. What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
7. Which foods are most likely to cause food poisoning?
8. What is e coli?
9. What is salmonella?
10. What is campylobacter?
11. What is listeria?
12. What is norovirus?
13. What is staphylococcus?
14. Which parasites cause food poisoning?
15. Which wild mushrooms cause food poisoning?

16. Should you contact your GP if you have food poisoning?
17. How do you treat food poisoning?
18. Are there any complications with food poisoning?
19. I have developed food poisoning after eating a takeaway: should I report this?
20. Can you prevent food poisoning?
21. What is cross contamination?
22. What is ‘food irradiation?’
23. Why is listeria dangerous for pregnant women?
24. What are the risks of food poisoning in children?
25. Why are older people likely to get food poisoning?
26. How is food poisoning diagnosed?
27. What is dehydration?
28. What is food safety?
29. How common is food poisoning?
30. What is the outlook for food poisoning?