As the number of people affected by a nationwide listeria outbreak linked to the Boar’s Head deli meat recall grows, federal health officials are urging Americans to check their refrigerators for products, some with expiration dates as late as October.
The largest such outbreak since one linked to cantaloupes more than a decade ago has killed at least nine people and hospitalized 57 in 18 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an update Wednesday.
Last month, the Sarasota, Florida-based deli and cheese company expanded its recall to more than 3,600 tons of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands.
Documents released by the US Department of Agriculture have been released unappetizing conditions at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, where the affected products were manufactured. USDA inspectors found mold and insects throughout the plant, which has suspended operations for the time being.
Here’s a summary of what happened and what people should know:
When and where
A sample of Boar’s Head liver sausage tested positive for the outbreak strain of listeria during testing last month by the Maryland Department of Health, triggering the expanded recall.
The 18 states with 57 cases in the latest outbreak include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The first case was reported on May 29, 2024 and the last case occurred on August 16, 2024.
According to the Associated Press, some people have filed lawsuits against Boar’s Head after eating the company’s products. They include Sue Fleming, 88, a longtime liverwurst fan who was hospitalized for more than a week with a listeriosis infection, and Ashley Solberg, who said in a lawsuit she “nearly lost her unborn child” after contracting the disease.
However, recent cases may not have been reported yet because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, according to the CDC. Additionally, the actual number of people sickened during the outbreak is likely higher than reported because some people recover without medical care or listeriosis testing.
What is listeria?
According to the CDC, Listeria is a hardy germ that can linger on surfaces like meat slicers and food, even when refrigerated. It can take up to 10 weeks for some people to develop symptoms of listeriosis. Listeria spreads easily among equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.
The bacteria can contaminate many foods, and Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Each year, approximately 1,600 Americans become infected with Listeria and 260 die from it.
A 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupes infected 147 people and killed 33 in 28 states, according to the CDC.
Who should be worried?
People who are pregnant, 65 years of age or older, or who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness or death from Listeria infection. People with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue should see a healthcare professional. Other symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
Listeria can cause miscarriage or premature birth, as well as serious illness or death in newborns.
The infection is usually diagnosed from a sample of body fluid or tissue from a sick person, and treatment depends on the severity of the illness.
People with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. People with invasive disease are treated with antibiotics.
What to do
Do not eat recalled deli meats. Refrigeration will not kill listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on the meat.
People who are generally healthy and not at high risk of serious infection should throw away the recalled items or return them to the store.
Clean your refrigerator, containers and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meats.
What was recalled
Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liver Sausage Products:
- Produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024, with a shelf life of 44 days
- “Strassburger Boar’s Head Liver Sausage Made in Virginia”
- 3.5 pound loaves in plastic wrap or packages of various weights tucked into delicatessens
- Sale by day from July 25, 2024 to August 30, 2024
Also recalled
All deli products, including pre-packaged items, come from the Virginia plant. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels.
The full list of recalled products can be viewed here. Labels for recalled products can be viewed here.
In a statement, a Boar’s Head spokesperson said the company deeply regrets the impact of the recall and that food safety is its “top priority.”
