Be on alert for symptoms of a Listeria monocytogenes infection as over a dozen states are facing a listeria outbreak and over 7 million pounds of Boar's Head deli meat are being recalled.
Officials announces Tuesday that the Boar's Head recall had expanded from over 200,000 pounds to over 7 million pounds of over 71 different products. These include ready-to-eat meat, as well as meat sliced at deli counters, and poultry.
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can be deadly when consumed by certain populations.
Boar's Head recall 2024
The Boar's Head recall was announced in late July 2024 after Boar's Head liverwurst tested positive for listeria, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The company initially recalled the liverwurst and all products made on the same line, but later expanded the recall to dozens more products.
So far the July 2024 listeria outbreak has spread to 13 states, left 33 people hospitalized and led to two deaths.
Listeria can cause gastrointestinal illness, as well as fever, aches, stiffness and confusion, and is especially dangerous when consumed by the elderly, pregnant people and those with compromised immune systems.
Which Boar's Head meat is recalled?
The recalled Boar's Head deli meat products were sold at retail delis nationwide, as well as in the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama.
Recalled products have a sell-by date from July 29, 2024, to Oct. 17, 2024. They will also have “EST. 12612” or “P-12612”on the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
The full list of recalled Boar's Head products includes 71 items. It is available, a long with images of labels, on the USDA website.
Examples of recalled Boar's Head items include:
- Virginia Ham Whole
- Fiber Cappy Ham Half
- Hot Butt Cappy Ham
- Gourmet Pepper Ham Half
- Sweet Slice Ham Whole
- Sweet Slice Ham Half
- Natural Casing Cappy Ham Half
- Tavern Ham
- Extra Hot Cappy Ham
- Rosemary Sundried Tomato Ham
The FSIS has expressed concern that some of the recalled products may still be available for purchase or are in consumers' fridges. Do not consume any affected products. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, and clean your fridge if you've purchases any affected products to prevent cross-contamination.
Deli meat listeria brands
According to the FSIS, there are two deli meat brand names currently being recalled for listeria risk:
- Boar's Head
- Old Country
Listeria outbreak 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in mid-July that it had been investigating a listeria outbreak linked to deli meat sliced at counters.
The latest info shows 34 people have fallen ill, 33 have been hospitalized and two have died across 13 states, according to the USDA. Many of those affected by the outbreak reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters, per the CDC.
States affected by the deli meat listeria outbreak 2024
The 34 confirmed people affected in the outbreak live in 13 different states across the U.S. These states include:
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Identifying whether a sick individual is part of an outbreak can take three to four weeks, so the actual number of people sick from the outbreak is likely higher than reported, the CDC reported.
What is listeria?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in moist environments, such as water and soil, and can survive refrigeration. When consumed, it can cause an illness known as listeriosis.
The signs and symptoms of listeria infection vary. Newborns, pregnant individuals, those aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems are at risk of more severe illness from listeria infection, according to the CDC.
Signs of listeria in pregnant people
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms like muscle aches and fatigue
Non-pregnant people
- Fever, muscle aches and lethargy
- Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures
According to the CDC, listeria symptoms can begin within two weeks of consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. However, symptoms can start as early as the consumption day or as late as 10 weeks after eating the food.
Is listeria contagious?
No, a listeria infection is not contagious (spread from person to person).
What causes listeria in deli meat?
Deli meat is considered a high risk food for listeria contamination, according to the CDC, because the bacteria spreads easily on equipment used to make the meat as well as surfaces and hands. Also, deli meat usually refrigerated and not heated, which is necessary to kill listeria.
Is it safe to eat deli meat?
In general, deli meats and cold cuts have a higher risk of carrying listeria than other foods, according the CDC.
In the July 2024 listeria deli meat outbreak, meats sliced at deli counters in stores seem to be affected. There is also a recall affecting Boar's Head deli meat, as well as the brand Old Country.
If you want to eat deli meat safely and reduce the risk of listeria, avoid the recalled products — see above for the full list — and heat any deli meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to prevent listeria from deli meat
Health officials advise that pregnant people, those over 65 and with weakened immune systems do the following:
- Do not meat sliced at deli counters unless it’s reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool before eating.
- Clean your fridge and any surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
- Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a listeria infection.
If you have purchased any Boar's Head or Old Country products affected by the recall, do not eat them. Return them or throw them away.
