Human listeriosis is a relatively rare but serious disease with case fatality rates between 20 and 30%. The majority of patients who have listeriosis present with meningitis or septicaemia. Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to a congenital infection, neonatal sepsis and meningitis or foetal death. The main mode of transmission is through contaminated foods. The infection usually occurs sporadically but small outbreaks and even large epidemics have occurred in a large number of industrialised countries. During the last 10 years several Listeria monocytogenes control measures have been introduced and implemented at the retail level and in production for plants or foods potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. During this period the incidence of listeriosis decreased substantially and is at present estimated at 300-400 cases annually.