Boars Head deli meat implicated in outbreak of Listeria infections; recall initiated

The CDC is reporting a link between an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections and Boars Head brand deli meat.

The outbreak has sickened 34 people across 13 states. All but one of the patients have been admitted to hospitals. Two patients have died, one from Illinois and one from New Jersey, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the 24 patients with the information available, 23 reported eating deli meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating sliced liverwurst and seven of those specifically remembered eating Boars Head brand.

The Maryland Department of Health tested an unopened package of Boars Head brand liverwurst and it was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Investigators are continuing to work to determine whether other deli meats are implicated.

Even if patients did not eat Boars Head liverwurst they could have become ill because the meat could have been cross contaminated by food contact surfaces and slicing equipment.

Earlier today Boars Head issued a recall of a variety of liverwurst products as well as other deli meats because of “possible contamination” with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects more than 200,000 pounds of meat.

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11 and July 17 and have a 44-day shelf life. 

Liverwurst products subject to recall are:

3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.

The other ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Product labels can be viewed here. 

Deli meat products subject to recall:

• 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
• 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
• 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.                                   

The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Product labels can be viewed here.  

What consumers should do

• Do not eat recalled deli products. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
• People who are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria should still avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or until steaming hot just before serving.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of Listeriaand recently ate meats sliced at deli counters.
• Businesses that received recalled meats should take extra precautions like cleaning and sanitizing and throwing away opened sliced meats and cheeses at delis. Businesses should also follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled productsand developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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