An outbreak in 2011 of Listeriosis that caused 30 deaths across 28 states was linked to which product?

• A. Cantaloupe
• B. Romaine lettuce
• C. Raw milk
• D. Ground beef

Answer: (A)

This item centers on how investigators trace a multistate foodborne outbreak to a specific product and understand why that product acted as the vehicle. In 2011, a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak caused about 30 deaths across 28 states and was traced to cantaloupes produced in Colorado and distributed widely. The contamination occurred in the cantaloupes before or during packing, and because the fruit is often eaten raw, not cooked, the contaminated fruit spread through the distribution network to many consumers before the outbreak was detected. This example shows how a single contaminated lot of a ready-to-eat fruit can drive a nationwide outbreak, highlighting the importance of traceback investigations, product tracking, and the characteristics of Listeria that allow it to persist in food processing and refrigerated environments. While other foods can be involved in different outbreaks, the specific multistate Listeria event described was linked to cantaloupe.