Listeria Outbreak Results in Thousands of Pounds of Deli Meat Recalled
Perfect for a quick lunch that packs a protein punch, lunch meats are delicious, convenient and, most recently, dangerous. Notoriously one of the most at-risk foods for listeria contamination, more than 207,000 pounds of deli meat were recalled nationwide in July due to the listeria bacteria. To learn more about the latest listeria outbreak, keep reading.
What to know about the Boar's Head recall
After a liverwurst at a store in Maryland tested positive for listeria, popular provision company Boar’s Head recalled more than 207,000 pounds of deli meat nationwide.
The sample was collected as part of an investigation into a multistate listeria outbreak that had sickened 34 people across 13 states as of July 25.
In late July, the company recalled more than 7 million pounds of product, but much of the damage had been done. As of August 29, 57 people have been hospitalized in connection to the outbreak, and nine people have tragically died. The recall has since become one of the largest in U.S. history.
Recalled Boar’s Head deli meat products
The majority of the recall was of Boar’s Head liverwurst products produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024 and have a 44-day shelf life.
Other recalls included ready-to-eat deli meat products produced on June 27, 2024, with a sell-by date of August 10 through August 15, 2024. Notable products include “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” and “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT.”
Listeria outbreaks in recent times
The Boar’s Head recall is actually one of two major listeria outbreaks in 2024.
In February, a listeria outbreak linked to queso fresco, cotija and other cheeses made by Rizo-López Foods of Modesto, California resulted in 26 cases of listeriosis, two deaths and one loss of pregnancy.
At the end of 2023, there was a recall of stone fruits sold at Sam’s Club and the Albertsons family of stores across several states. The contamination resulted in 11 cases of listeriosis, one death and one case of a dangerous preterm labor.
What is listeria?
Estimated to be the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States by the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), listeria are bacteria that can contaminate a variety of foods — most often soft cheeses, salad greens, unpasteurized milk and luncheon meats.
The resulting infection from listeria contamination, listeriosis, is most likely to adversely affect those with already weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant and their newborns and senior adults aged 65 and older.
Symptoms of listeriosis usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with listeria. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache and flu-like symptoms, such fatigue. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you may have listeriosis.
How to prevent listeria contamination
1. Keep your food at the right temperature
Proper refrigeration temperatures slow the contamination with listeria. A refrigerator thermometer is a great way to ensure your food is chilled at 40°F (4°C) or below and frozen at 0°F (-18°C).
2. Pay attention to packaging dates
The longer food stays in your refrigerator, the more chances listeria has to grow. Be sure to use foods by their “Use By” date to ensure they remain contamination-free.
3. Keep your refrigerator clean
Attend spills and stains as soon as they happen and make a habit of cleaning your refrigerator regularly. Hot water and a mild liquid dishwashing soap with a paper towel will do the trick!
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