Some food experts said numbers from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency show a worrisome trend.
According to the CFIA, there were 48 Listeria recalls in 2012, 31 in 2013 and 54 in 2014.
University of Manitoba Food Science Professor Rick Holley studies the bacteria and crunched the numbers and, without a doubt, Holley said we are seeing more Listeria recalls.
According to his numbers, there were 21 recalls in just the first three months this year. That's almost half of all the recalls issued so far in 2015.
"The level of sanitation and care that's being taken by the food processor is not at a level that it should be and it could indicate that things are slipping a little bit,” he said.
Since summer 2014 in Manitoba, there have been recalls due to Listeria from Lilydale Chicken, Amy’s Lasagna, as well as fresh and frozen fruit, and salads.
In December 2014, packaged caramel apples infected dozens in the United States. Five people died from the outbreak. One person from Manitoba got sick.
Scott Schriemer of Vic's Fruit Market doesn't want customers to fear fresh food.
Still, he stays clear of selling of pre-cut, pre-packaged food as much as possible.
"It's better to buy the product and prepare it yourself so it's fresh right when you eat instead of 5,000 miles away, five days prior," he said.
Holley said the chances of Listeria increase when food is not properly refrigerated or when fruit and veggies are pre-cut.
“The liquid in the broken cells at the cut surfaces is suitable as a very good nutrient, medium for Listeria to grow"
Keeping Listeria at bay
Holley said to minimize risk, it’s wise not to buy discount fruits and veggies and avoid bruised and damaged produce.
He said keeping Listeria at bay means keeping food clean and dry and washing it also helps.
Holley said, while it’s important to be cautious choosing what we eat, most food is safe to eat.
