Every year the CDC releases a report titled "Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food." They've just released their 2013 data and Listeria remains the deadliest bug with a 20% mortality rate. Because these illnesses are almost always related to ready-to-eat products, 'just cooking it' is a suggestion that consumer cannot do to protect themselves. The pathogen, too, has been popping up in some very unexpected places.
Several years ago, cantaloupe was a surprise carrier. An outbreak of listeriosis, first reported in late 2011, caused at least 33 deaths by the time it ran its course. In addition, a pregnant woman at the time of her illness had a miscarriage. The deaths were mostly among children and very old who consumed the product.