As previously reported on by Food Poisoning News, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats, which was later expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of product, has been updated with new information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC’s investigation, which began on July 19, 2024, is still open.
September 25, 2024 Update
- Since the last update on August 28, there have been two additional illnesses and one more death. This latest death, reported to be in New York, brings the total number of fatalities to 10.
- As of September 25, 2024, 59 people across 19 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria. All of these individuals have been hospitalized.
- The number of new illness reports is declining, so the CDC will provide updates less frequently. However, because symptoms of listeriosis can take up to 10 weeks to appear, the CDC will continue to gather and share new information as it becomes available.
- The CDC strongly advises against consuming any of the recalled deli meats, as some of these products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024.
Where People Got Sick
- Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, – 1 sick person each
- Pennsylvania – 2 sick people
- Georgia – 2 sick people
- South Carolina – 2 sick people
- Florida – 3 sick people
- Missouri – 3 sick people
- Massachusetts – 3 sick people
- Virginia – 4 sick people
- New Jersey – 6 sick people
- Maryland – 8 sick people
- New York – 17 sick people
According to the CDC, it is likely that more people in more states were affected because “some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.”
Product Details
- Product Name – Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA
- Weight – 3.5 lb loaves in plastic casing, various weights if sliced in retail delis
- Packaging – Plastic casing
- Sell By Date – Multiple, from July 25, 2024 to October, 2024
- Production Dates – June 11, 2024 to July 17, 2024
- Additional Boar’s Head deli products, including pre packaged deli products have been recalled
- All recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Consumer Advisory
Consumers should search their homes for the recalled products as some of them have sell by dates into October 2024.
Given the severity of the potential health risks, all consumers, whether or not they are generally healthy or at greater risk of serious infection, who have purchased these products should not consume them.
The products should be discarded immediately or returned to the point of purchase.
The CDC describes Listeria as a “hardy germ” that can remain on a variety of surfaces. Consumers are strongly advised to thoroughly clean their refrigerators, containers, or surfaces to prevent additional chances of contamination with other foods.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can call Boar’s Head customer service line at 800-352-6277.
Commercial Advisory
Retail delis are instructed to take precautionary measures, including cleaning and sanitizing all food and non-food surfaces as well as discarding any open meats and cheeses in the deli to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Health Risks
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
The CDC advises those in high risk categories such as pregnant women, people 65 and over, or those with compromised immune systems to not eat any sliced deli meats from deli counters unless the meat has been heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. The Listeria pathogen is killed at high temperatures.The sliced meat can be eaten after it has cooled.
The CDC notes that symptoms of Listeriosis may not show for up to 10 weeks after exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Food Poisoning News has provided extensive coverage of the Boar’s Head recall and related deadly Listeria outbreak:
- Boar’s Head Plant in Jarratt, Virginia Receives USDA “Revised” Notice of Suspension: Defects/Failings Noted in Summation of Currently Held Facts
- Boar’s Head Facility Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak Had Multiple Compliance Violations
- Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats – One Victim’s Story
- Large-Scale Boar’s Head Deli Meats Recall Due to Listeria Risk
Commenting on this story, one national Listeria lawyer who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of victim Gunter Morgenstein, said “Fortunately, illnesses are declining but one more person has tragically died. These were all needless deaths caused by an ongoing pattern of negligence.”
