Which of the following foods are not at high risk for listeriosis?

Potato chips are not considered high risk for listeriosis primarily because the conditions under which they are produced and stored make them less susceptible to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes the infection. Potato chips are typically fried or baked at high temperatures, which kills most pathogens that might be present. Also, their low moisture content further inhibits the growth of bacteria.

In contrast, the other options provided, such as soft cheeses, cold cuts, and unpasteurized milk, are known to be higher risk food items. These foods can support the growth of Listeria due to their moisture content and often lack the high-heat processing that would eliminate potential pathogens. Soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk, in particular, can harbor Listeria if they are produced from infected animals or processed in unsanitary conditions. Cold cuts can also become contaminated during processing or handling.

Thus, understanding the characteristics and processing methods of different foods helps identify which are prone to harboring harmful pathogens like Listeria, clearly placing potato chips in a safer category regarding listeriosis risk.