By STEPHANIE FAROH
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Kosciusko County

I always enjoy a good ham and cheese sandwich, but I know if I’m sharing my lunch with my grandmother, my nephew, or my pregnant sister, that I need to make it a hot ham and cheese. Do you heat your deli meat before enjoying it? A bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes can grow on deli meat so it is important for those with a compromised immune system to heat their meat to a steaming 165 degree Fahrenheit to kill this bacteria.

For many of us, consuming L. monocytogenes will result in typical food poisoning symptoms like nausea and vomiting. For young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those with cancer, HIV, or others with a vulnerable immune system, however, consuming this bacteria can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection, which can be fatal. The bacteria can cross the placental barrier in pregnant women, which can lead to miscarriage.

A research study recently led by Purdue University shows that standard cleaning procedures in retail delis may not eradicate the bacteria. The study also found that the prevalence of L. monocytogenes was higher than expected in the delis studied. Ready to eat deli meats are the food most associated with this bacteria, which can grow at refrigerator temperatures. This is why keeping your deli meat refrigerated will not keep it safe from this particular bacteria. Haley Oliver, a Purdue researcher, said, “This is a public health challenge.” Oliver recommends that consumers with vulnerable immune systems buy prepackaged deli meats or heat ready-to-eat meats to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to use a food thermometer on it to be sure it has reached the proper temperature.

When food such as hot dogs or deli meat is contaminated with this bacteria, it does not show signs of spoilage. You cannot tell if your meat is safe by looking at it or smelling it. The only way to be sure to kill the bacteria is to heat it before consuming.

Contamination may result from improper handling, or the bacteria may already be present in the meat. You should avoid getting fluid from packages of hot dogs and other meats on other foods, utensils, or food preparation areas, and be sure to wash your hands after handling hot dogs or deli meats. You should eat or throw away deli meat within three days of opening if pre-packaged or buying if sliced-to-order.

Do not be afraid to enjoy a good hot dog or deli meat sandwich. Just be sure to follow these steps if you have a compromised immune system:

• If you don’t have a microwave, cook the lunch meat in a pan on the stove over medium heat until it is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep lunch meat stored in the refrigerator at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not leave lunch meat out at room temperature.
• If you are eating out, ask for your sandwich meat to be heated to the point where it is steaming to be on the safe side.

Be safe and heat your meat. Here’s to a healthier you!