Jersey Shore deli owner, infectious disease doctor explain how to keep safe from listeria amid outbreak

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Some local delis in New Jersey are starting to feel the effects of the ongoing listeria outbreak. One popular Jersey Shore deli owner says he’s been answering questions from concerned customers. “It’s really simple. Know where the person, the retailer is buying their resources, where they are getting their meat, where they’re getting their everything,” said Joe Leone, owner of Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties in Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach. For 27 years, Joe Leone’s eponymous Italian market and deli has been a staple at the Jersey Shore. When the news of a listeria outbreak hit the airwaves, the questions began from his customers, even though his products have not been impacted by any recalls. “Have trust. Have trust in the purveyors, have trust in the people who are buying the food, where the source they’re getting it, don’t be afraid to ask the questions,” he said. “Just good food preparation, heating up your food is very important to the appropriate temperature,” said Dr. Edward Liu. MORE: What you should know about a deadly nationwide listeria outbreak linked to deli meat MORE: Wiers Farm recalls multiple vegetables, bagged salad due to listeria concerns Dr. Liu is an infectious disease specialist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and says it’s good to ask questions, and when purchasing products, stick with those shops you trust. “You know that the food is prepared and stored appropriately,” said Dr. Liu. Leone says his daily communication with meat and produce supplier Boar’s Head helps to assure his own customers – what they’re getting – is safe. “We get all of our pickles from Boar’s Head and we also use Jersey Fresh, so all our pickles come from Jersey especially this time of year,” added Leone. The CDC has yet to identify a specific source of the listeria outbreak, which has led to the death of one person from New Jersey. “It can have a longer incubation period so we could be hearing about this for several weeks,” said Dr. Liu. Click here for the full list of recalled produce. "