Which illness is caused by bacteria found in deli meats and hot dogs?

• A. Listeria
• B. Salmonella
• C. E. coli
• D. Campylobacter

Answer: (A)

Bacteria that can contaminate ready-to-eat foods like deli meats and hot dogs and cause illness is Listeria monocytogenes. What makes this organism stand out is its ability to survive and even grow at refrigerator temperatures, so deli meats can harbor it even when properly cooled. When someone eats contaminated deli meats, they can develop listeriosis, a serious infection that poses the greatest risk to pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and those with weak immune systems. Because of this, in culinary settings it’s important to heat deli meats until they’re steaming hot before serving to reduce risk, practice strict cold storage (keep the fridge at or below 40°F/4°C), and prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are associated with different foods and situations—Salmonella with raw poultry, eggs, and sometimes produce; E. coli with undercooked ground beef or contaminated produce; Campylobacter with undercooked poultry and unpasteurized dairy. Listeria is the one most classically linked to deli meats and hot dogs.