[srmorton]

Cold temperatures may not actually kill bacteria, but it will prevent the organism from multiplying. Listeria monocytogenes is very unusual in that it's growth is enhanced by cold temperatures. Even if the report does not mention Listera, any time refrigerated or frozen food is implicated as the source of an outbreak of food poisoning, this organism would be the most likely cause.

[Straight Vermonter]

Listeria monocytogenes is very unusual in that it's growth is enhanced by cold temperatures.

No. It grows best at ~37C. The closer to that temp the better it grows.

Like all bacteria it's growth is retarded by cold temperatures. It is, however, more resistant to cold than many other pathogens. It will grow in normal refrigeration temps and can survive even deep freezing.