Listeria bacteria are usually widely distributed on the ground, so the tools are not clean.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SLEMAN – The government previously asked importers to withdraw the circulation of enoki mushrooms from South Korea. The product was suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which caused extraordinary events in the US, Canada and Australia.
Gadjah Mada University Food Safety Expert (UGM), Prof. Endang Rahayu, said bacteria listeria monocytogenes is one of the pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria are known to cause intestinal infections or listeriosis.
The consumed bacteria will grow in the intestine and attack the mucosa, enter blood vessels and attack other tissues, including nerves. Can have serious effects on vulnerable groups such as toddlers, the elderly, and pregnant women.
“Bacteria consumed by pregnant women can also endanger the womb,” Endang said, Saturday (6/27).
The Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) UGM explained that the bacteria were known to be psychrotrophic bacteria that can grow at low temperatures. Able to grow in temperatures of 1-44 degrees Celsius, with an optimum temperature of 35-37 degrees Celsius.
Even so, at temperatures of 7-10 degrees Celsius can still grow quickly. Listeria monocytogenes itself also can withstand high salt conditions and pH> 5, as well as resistance to drying.
“However, it will die if exposed to temperature pasteurization which is 80 degrees Celsius,” said Endang.
The Head of the Center for Food and Nutrition Studies (PSPG) assessed, Listeria monocytogenes usually widely distributed in soil, dirt, feces, drains, and unclean tools. Contaminated food is often stored in cold temperatures.
For this reason, Endang urges people to pack their food properly when stored in the refrigerator, and separate those who are ready to eat and ready to process. When storing vegetables, including enoki, place them in separate plastic containers.
In addition, storage is not mixed with fruits that are ready to eat to avoid cross contamination. Endang warned, if vegetables, including enoki, were processed by heating, the bacteria contained could die.
“The danger is that the bacteria move to the fruit and give birth, while the fruit is eaten without being washed first, this can cause disease,” Endang said.
Endang added, the infection incubation period Listeria monocytogenes lasts one to seven days. Symptoms that usually appear fever, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
“Always apply good sanitation and personal hygiene. That way, it is expected to minimize disease infections in the body through food,” Endang said.
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