How does cheese become contaminated with listeria and how to avoid it?

[narnia]

Yes...all this talk about contamination and listeria has made me very nervous about making anymore cheese!!  It seems like a nerve-wracking nightmare!!

[SOSEATTLE]

Listeria is everywhere in the environment. The best way to control it is with good sanitation. Yes, it is nerve wracking, especially for commercial cheese makers.


Susan

[Gregore]

If you use good clean practices when milking and handling the milk you should be fine .

To lessen the chances of contamination try to use the milk every 2 to 3 days , also the lower the ph the less likely that any listeria will servive.

Listeria facts ......   5 percent of humans are carriers of listeria , listeria multiples better than any other bacteria at refrigeration temps.   Listeria is every where in the environment and we are exposed to it every day , usually only unhealthy  or immune  compromised people are at any risk.

[Mermaid]

Sanitize. Also make grana cheeses! Or hard alpine.

[Stinky]

Listeria is everywhere, but it depends on the strain. The harmful ones are more rare, but they include the ones from dairy and livestock. This is important to realize when making cheese, and care should of course be taken with the safety of the milk you use and your sanitary practices.

[narnia]

Thank you!