What is a common method of transmission for Listeria monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium known for its ability to cause foodborne illness, specifically listeriosis. One of the unique characteristics of Listeria is its widespread occurrence in various food items. Unlike many other pathogens that are associated with specific types of food, Listeria can be found in a diverse array of products.

Common sources include ready-to-eat deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw vegetables, in addition to cooked meats that may be contaminated during slicing or handling. This versatility in transmission is partly due to Listeria's ability to survive in both refrigerated environments and various processing conditions, which enables it to persist in various food items.

While raw poultry, infected water, and undercooked pork can be sources of various pathogens, they are not specifically associated with Listeria transmission. The bacterium's ability to contaminate many food items emphasizes the importance of proper food handling practices to prevent listeriosis. In summary, the correct answer reflects the broad range of food products that can be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, highlighting the need for vigilance in food safety across multiple categories of food.