Since 2006, the number of reported US listeriosis outbreaks associated with cheese made under unsanitary conditions has increased. Two-thirds were linked to Latin-style soft cheese, often affecting pregnant Hispanic women and their newborns. Adherence to pasteurization protocols and sanitation measures to avoid contamination after pasteurization can reduce future outbreaks.
Keywords: Hispanic; Listeria monocytogenes; United States; bacteria; cheese; food safety; listeria; listeriosis; pasteurization; pregnancy.