Has listeriosis been considered?: an evaluation of free written dietary educational material for pregnant women in the ACT

Listeriosis is a foodbome disease which, if contracted by a pregnant woman, can result in prenatal death. To minimise the risk of this disease, pregnant women need to avoid refrigerated ready-to-eat foods. Commonly, pregnant women are educated about their increased nutritional requirements by use of written Dietary Education Materials (DEMs). Unfortunately some DEMs may recommend foods which are 'high risk' for listeriosis. The aim of this research is to determine whether pregnant women in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have access to written DEMs providing information which, if followed, will help to prevent listeriosis.