The Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Slices: What You Need to Know
Boar’s Head Provisions is recalling all liverwurst products from store shelves due to potential listeria contamination, as reported by the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service. This news comes amidst a growing concern as health officials investigate a listeria outbreak that has already affected 34 individuals and claimed the lives of two people across several states.
Furthermore, Boar’s Head has issued a warning that some of their deli meat products may also be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria known to cause listeriosis. In response, the Sarasota, Florida-based company is recalling over 103 tons of meat products from the market, urging consumers not to consume any potentially affected items and advising retailers to remove them from their shelves.
Following this development, several grocery chains have decided to temporarily close their delis as a precautionary measure in light of the outbreak impacting their respective regions.
Product Recall Details
The liver sausage products subject to recall were manufactured between June 11 and June 17, with a shelf life of 44 days. These products, primarily sold in retail delis nationwide, include plastic-wrapped 3.5-pound loaves and sliced variants carrying the label “Boar’s Head Strasbourg Brand Liverwurst.” The affected liverwurst items bear expiry dates falling between July 25 and August 30.
In addition to liverwurst, Boar’s Head has also removed several other products from stores due to potential listeria contamination:
- Virginia ham old-fashioned ham
- Italian Carabi Ham
- Extra hot Carabi Ham
- Bologna
- Beef Salami
- Steakhouse Grilled Bacon
- Garlic Bologna
- Beef Bologna
Health Risks and Response
The discovery of potentially contaminated Boar’s Head products was brought to light when the Maryland Department of Health detected Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected from an unopened liverwurst package in a store. State health officials conducted this testing as part of a broader investigation into the ongoing listeria outbreak, in conjunction with the Baltimore City Health Department.
Listeria infection typically manifests with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, though severe cases can cause complications in vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of severe infection include headache, neck stiffness, loss of balance, confusion, and convulsions, with treatment usually involving antibiotics.
Reiterating the risk, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscored that Listeria can spread easily through shared deli equipment, surfaces, and food items. While refrigeration cannot eliminate Listeria, reheating foods to the appropriate temperature before consumption can mitigate any potential bacterial presence.
For queries related to the Boar’s Head recall, consumers can contact the company’s customer service at (800) 352-6277. Individuals with food safety concerns can reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854 or email their inquiries to MPHotline@usda.gov.
