What was going on with the listeriosis meat scare?

Contaminated food: Listeriosis is generally a food-borne illness that can be fatal - especially in the elderly, the very young and in pregnant women. It is caused by a bacteria that contaminates food, and may be spread via food handlers who don't always practice optimal hygiene. Although traditionally in meat (cold cuts, ) more recent outbreaks also have occurred in ice cream and cantaloupes.