CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

Deli meat section inside a supermarketPhoto by Federico Arnaboldi on Pexels.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a Listeria outbreak linked to meats sliced at delis. This outbreak has resulted in 34 cases of illness across 13 states, with 33 hospitalizations and two deaths.

The contamination has been traced to Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meat products produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024. These meats were distributed nationwide. The recall includes various products such as Virginia Ham, Bologna, and Beef Salami.

Details of the Outbreak

The CDC confirmed six new cases and five new hospitalizations since the last update. The outbreak remains active and the investigation is ongoing. The specific products linked to the contamination carry the establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The problem was discovered when the Maryland Department of Health tested an unopened liverwurst product and found it positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The product was part of an outbreak investigation.

Recalled Products

The recall affects a wide range of Boar’s Head deli meats, including:

  • Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products: Produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. These products are sold in 5-pound loaves or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell-by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
  • Other Boar’s Head Deli Meat Products: Produced on June 27, 2024, and include ham, bologna, and salami with sell-by dates of August 10 or August 15.
Health Risks

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It primarily affects pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, and a stiff neck. In severe cases, it can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections.

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CDC Recommendations

The CDC advises people to avoid consuming the recalled products and to thoroughly clean their refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination. Retailers are urged to stop selling these products and to sanitize all food and non-food surfaces in their delis.

Investigation and Response

The CDC, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is working to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market. FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to verify that the recalling firms notify their customers of the recall.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The primary goal is to prevent further spread of the infection and to safeguard public health.

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