Boar’s Head Deli Meats Recall Listeria Outbreak Leads to Hospitalizations and Deaths

A significant Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has led to 30 hospitalizations and two fatalities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified the contamination, prompting a recall of approximately 207,528 pounds of ready-to-eat Boar’s Head products. These products, widely available at delis nationwide, are believed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness.

DANGER! 207,528 pounds of deli meats have been recalled due to Listeria contamination. Boar’s Head ready-to-eat deli meat products have been linked to this contamination. https://t.co/JMMJOsDe4G pic.twitter.com/RnLcCcDCnO

— SNN (@STONENNEWS) July 30, 2024

The recall includes a variety of Boar’s Head products such as Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, 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, and Beef Bologna. These items have sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024, and should be discarded immediately to prevent the risk of infection.

Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria infection, poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, convulsions and seizures. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns.

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected Boar’s Head products are advised to dispose of them and to be vigilant for any symptoms of listeriosis. If symptoms develop, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The FSIS has emphasized the importance of this recall and is working closely with Boar’s Head and retailers to remove contaminated products from the market and to trace the contamination source.

Boar’s Head, known for its quality deli products, has expressed regret over the incident and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The company is reviewing its production processes to prevent future occurrences and ensure product safety. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with contaminated food products.

New Yorkers should check their refrigerators as listeria cases linked to deli meats continue to rise throughout the state and a number of products have been recalled. https://t.co/vFkbOCr6nh

— Poughkeepsie Journal (@PokJournal) July 30, 2024

As the investigation continues, consumers are reminded to practice safe food handling, including proper refrigeration and adherence to sell-by dates. This outbreak highlights the critical need for stringent food safety standards and vigilant monitoring within the food industry to protect public health.

Key Points:

i. A Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has resulted in 30 hospitalizations and two deaths.

ii. Approximately 207,528 pounds of Boar’s Head products have been recalled due to Listeria contamination.

iii. The recalled products include various types of liverwurst, ham, bologna, and salami with specific sell-by dates.

iv. Listeriosis poses serious health risks, particularly to the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

v. Consumers are advised to dispose of affected products and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News