As the body ages, the immune system’s functions start to decline. This means that people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to a range of foodborne illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, such as Listeria.
While listeriosis is a rare illness, it can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults. New Zealand Food Safety has underscored the need for vigilance and preventive food safety measures, especially when preparing and serving food to seniors. They have provided information on food products that pose a higher risk for infection.
Higher-risk foods include:
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ready-to-eat meat products (like deli meats and pâtés)
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smoked seafood (especially cold smoked fish)
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soft cheeses (like brie and camembert)
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uncooked paneer cheese
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unpasteurised dairy products (like raw milk and cheese)
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soft serve ice-cream
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some fruit (like melons)
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leafy greens and bagged salad (like mesclun and spinach)
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uncooked sprouts (like alfalfa and mung beans) and enoki mushrooms
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uncooked frozen vegetables
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some refrigerated foods with a long shelf life
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ready-to-eat cooked meals.
For a full list of high-risk foods for Listeria and safer substitutes read this pullout guide on Food safety when you have low immunity.
When preparing food for older adults, chefs should stay vigilant of the high risks linked to unpasteurised dairy products and fruit juices.
Pre-sealed dairy products, like cottage cheese and sour cream, should ideally be served within two days of opening or cooked within the ‘best before’ date. It is important that milk and pasteurised yoghurt are kept refrigerated. Listeria can also be found in after-dinner treats, such as soft serve ice-cream and ready-made custards.
To prevent infection, New Zealand Food Safety has advised substituting risky foods with similar ones that can be eaten safely.
For instance, instead of serving cold smoked fish directly from the fridge, cooking it in a hot dish like kedgeree or fish pie would be a safe option. Soft cheeses could also be replaced with harder cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, emmental or pecorino, or added to a cooked meal, like pizza.
Pre-prepared cold foods, like uncooked sandwiches or sushi occasionally may contain Listeria, as can undercooked or raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
Cooking food thoroughly is one of the best ways to reduce the risk to seniors from Listeria. Fruit and vegetables should be washed and dried thoroughly before being served. New Zealand Food Safety has advised that recently prepared food should be either served immediately or stored under refrigeration guidelines. Leftovers should also be heated to a steaming hot temperature of 70°C before being served. Leftovers that don’t need reheating should not be served to those older than 65.
Buffets, smorgasbords, and salad bars should be avoided.
Cooking food thoroughly and following good hygiene practices in the kitchen are the first defence against infection.
For more information, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/listeria.
