Listeria outbreak linked to brand sold in Ingles stores: What to know about recalls
An outbreak of deadly listeria bacteria has now been linked to specific contaminated products by the Centers for Disease Control.
The listeria outbreak has been reported in 13 states. Currently, 34 patients have reportedly fallen ill from listeria linked to the outbreak, including one patient in North Carolina and two more in neighboring Virginia. So far, 33 hospitalizations and two deaths are associated with the bacteria.
The CDC previously linked the outbreak to sliced meats from deli counters in grocery stores and other food shops. Now, multiple products in stores across the nation have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination.
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Listeria deli meat brands
Recalls associated with the listeria outbreak are associated with Boar's Head brand deli meats. The CDC is still collecting data to see if other deli meat brands are affected. The products listed as potentially contaminated by the CDC include:
Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products
Produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf-life.
“Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia.”
5 pound loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
Sell by dates range from July 25 to Aug. 30, 2024
Other Boar’s Head Deli Meat Products
Recalled products have “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Many types and sizes were recalled with sell-by dates of Aug. 10 or Aug. 15.
Virginia Ham Old Fashioned Ham.
Italian Cappy Style Ham.
Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham.
Bologna.
Beef Salami.
Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat.
Garlic Bologna.
Beef Bologna.
Listeria can spread easily among deli equipment, surfaces and foods, as refrigeration does not kill the bacteria. Only reheating food to a high temperature of 165 degrees or above will kill listeria.
A full list of recalled products was provided by the USDA.
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What states have reported Listeria outbreak?
One more state - Indiana - reported Listeria since previous Citizen Times reporting on the outbreak, bringing the total number of states to 13. Additionally, there have been six new illnesses and five new hospitalizations reported, bringing the total number of cases to 34 and 33, respectively.
The full list of states includes:
New York: 12
Maryland: 6
Massachusetts: 2
Missouri: 2
New Jersey: 2
Virginia: 2
Georgia: 2
Minnesota: 1
Wisconsin: 1
Illinois: 1
Pennsylvania: 1
North Carolina: 1
Indiana: 1
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Listeria symptoms
Listeria symptoms tend to start within two weeks of eating contaminated food, but can show up as late as up to 10 weeks later.
Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
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Who is at high risk?
In people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older or have weakened immune systems, listeria is more likely to spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body. The bacteria is therefore more dangerous to these groups, as it is more likely to result in invasive listeriosis, a life-threatening condition.
In people who are pregnant, the bacteria also may cause premature birth, miscarriage or life-threatening infections in newborns.
The CDC suggests that people belonging to these groups:
Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Let it cool before you eat it.
Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
Call your health care provider right away if you have any symptoms.
The page also mentioned that, if you become sick with listeria, local or state health officials may contact you for information on anything you have eaten that may have contained the bacteria. They may also ask for copies of receipts, your shopper card number or leftover food for testing.
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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Boat's Head deli meats linked to listeria: Brand sold at Ingles