According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Safety, three more cases of listeria were reported over the holiday weekend, bringing the total to 12 since August 1. Cases have been reported in Adams, Arapahoe Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson and Weld counties. Two people died from listeria in August and seven others were hospitalized. The cause of the most recent outbreak is still under investigation and there is no clear link between the cases.

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. Although there are other types of Listeria, most cases of listeriosis are caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer. Animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill and can contaminate foods of animal origin, such as meats and dairy products.

I will be in Denver on the 20th to speak on food safety.  Depending on how this Listeria outbreak turns, I may have to add a few more slides.