Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

FSIS Recalls and Public Health Alerts

All FSIS recall information, including reports of recalls for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, is available in the Recalls section.

• View Recalls

Risk Assessments

Provides FSIS risk assessment reports and models for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, Clostridium perfringens, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, etc.

• View Risk Assessments

Consumer Information

• Listeria Questions and Answers (English and Spanish)
• Listeriosis E-Card

Historical/Archival Information

• Research: Listeriosis Food Safety Messages and Delivery Mechanisms for Pregnant Women

Links to Additional Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Listeriosis Information from CDC | En Español
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration
  Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook (The "Bad Bug Book")

Policy, Procedures, Guidance

• Docket No. FSIS 2013-0038
  Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens
  • Related Documents:
    • FSIS Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Retail Delicatessens
      • Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Retail Delicatessens (Brochure)
        This brochure provides best practice tips for deli operators.
        Audio: Hmong (mp3)
        • Guidance for Controlling Lm in Retail Delis
        • Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)
        • Listeriosis
        • Product Handling
        • Cleaning and Sanitizing
        • Employee Practices
        • For more Information
        • Disclaimer - Work Supported by USDA and NIFA Award #2014-4877
        • Disclaimer - USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
    • Letter to Establishments on Retail Listeria monocytogenes (LM) Pilot Project | En Español PDF
    • FSIS Notice 04-16 - Pilot Project: Control of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in Retail Delicatessens
    • Interagency Risk Assessment - Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens
    • Docket No. FSIS-2013-0038
• Video: Listeria Controls at Retail
  FSIS hosted webinar held on September 29, 2015 with representatives from FSIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Docket No. 04-032N
  • Related Document:
    • Availability of the FSIS Report on Assessing the Effectiveness of the Listeria monocytogenes Interim Final Rule
• Docket No. 97-031FE
  Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products. Interim final rule; extension of comment period.
• FSIS Directive 10,240.4 - Revision 4
  Listeria Rule Verification Activities
• FSIS Directive 10,240.5 - Revision 3
  Verification Procedures for Enforcement, Investigations and Analysis Officers (EIAOs) for the Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) Regulation and Routine Risk-Based Listeria monocytogenes (RLm) Sampling Program
• FSIS Directive 10,300.1 - Revision 1
  Intensified Verification Testing (IVT) Protocol for Sampling of Product, Food Contact Surfaces and Environmental Surfaces for Listeria Monocytogenes
• Compliance Guidelines
  These guidelines help establishments producing Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meat and poultry products in their use of control methods for L. monocytogenes.