Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., based in Jarratt, Virginia, has announced an expansion of last week’s widespread recall to include an additional 7 million pounds of its sliced deli-meat, packaged meat, and poultry products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The recall was first initiated after the Maryland Department of Health discovered Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of unopened liverwurst during an outbreak investigation. The finding prompted Boar’s Head to recall all liverwurst products currently available in the market, as well as additional deli meats produced on the same production line and date as the contaminated liverwurst.
As of last week, testing was underway to confirm whether or not the sample is related to the Listeria outbreak. In a notice posted on the Boar’s Head website, the company said that it has now been confirmed that the sample tested positive for the outbreak strain.
The company stated that “…we decided to immediately and voluntarily expand our recall to include all items produced at the Jarratt facility. We have also decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility until further notice.”
The recalled products were distributed to retail locations nationwide. Some products were shipped to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
To date, there have been 34 reported illnesses, 33 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths across 13 states.
Product Details
- Brand Name – Boar’s Head and Old Country
- Weight – Varies
- Packaging – Plastic casing
- Sell By Date – Multiple, from July 29, 2024 to October 17, 2024
- Production Dates – May 10, 2024 and July 29, 2024
| Category | Product Name | Purchased-by Dates |
| Ham | All Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | BourbonRidge Uncured Smoked Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Brown Sugar & Spice Off the Bone Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Gourmet Pepper Brand Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Hickory Smoked Roast Uncured Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Italian Cappy Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Maple Glazed Roast Pork Loin | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Peppenero Garlic Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Porchetta Roasted Seasoned Pork (Foodservice) | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Roasted Pork | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Rosemary & Sundried Tomato Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Sweet Slice Smoked Uncured Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Tavern Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Ham | Virginia Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Pork & Beef Bologna | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | 33% Lower Sodium Bologna | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Beef Bologna | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Beef Salami | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Garlic Bologna | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Head Cheese | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Strassburger Brand Liverwurst | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Liverwurst Pate | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Olive Terrine Loaf | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Pickle & Pepper Terrine Loaf | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bologna | Spiced Ham | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bacon | Canadian Style Uncured Bacon | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Bacon | Steakhouse Roasted Slab Bacon | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Beef Frankfurters | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Beef Frankfurters- Natural Casing | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Cocktail Frankfurters | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Frankfurters | Uncured Beef Knockwurst | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Sausage | Bratwurst | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Sausage | Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Sausage | Uncured Kielbasa | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Sausage | All Natural Chicken Sausage – Smoked Andouille | All product purchased before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand All Nat Uncured Smoked Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand All Natural Uncured Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Beechwood Smoked Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand BourbonRidge Smoked Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Brown Sugar & Spice Delight Off the Bone Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Cappy Brand Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Gourmet Pepper Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Habanero Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Rosemary Tomato Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Black Forest Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Canadian Style Bacon | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Cappy Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Hot Butt Cappy Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Seasoned Fresh Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Sweet Slice Smoked Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
| Old Country | Old Country Brand Tavern Ham | All product received before 7/31/24 |
All recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Consumer Action
Given the severity of the potential health risks, FSIS is urging consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them. Instead, the products should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase. Consumers are also advised to thoroughly clean their refrigerators 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 Action
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. FSIS has provided guidance for retailers on best practices for controlling Listeria monocytogenes in retail delicatessens.
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.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Commenting on this developing story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Because Listeria can be especially dangerous for women who are pregnant, I strongly recommend consumers follow all directions associated with this recall to reduce the risk to themselves and their families.”
Consumers can also stay informed of updates by following sites like www.fda.gov or Food Poisoning News.
