More details about the recall of sliced deli meats, reported on by Food Poisoning News earlier this week, are now available. Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., based in Jarratt, Virginia, has announced a widespread recall of approximately 207,528 pounds of its meat 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 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. Continued testing is underway to confirm whether or not the sample is related to the LIsteria outbreak.
The recalled products were distributed to retail locations nationwide.
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 August 30, 2024
- Production Dates – June 11, 2024 to July 17, 2024
Additional deli meats subject to the recall, produced on June 27, 2024:
| Product Name | Weight | Packaging | Sell By Dates |
| Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM | 4.5 lb 9.5 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | Plastic casing | August 10, 2024 |
| Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM | 4.5 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | ||
| Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM | 6 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | ||
| Boar’s Head BOLOGNA | 4 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | ||
| Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI | 2.5 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | ||
| Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT | 5.5 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | August 15, 2024 | |
| Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA | 3 lb Various weights if sliced in retail delis | August 10, 2024 | |
| Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA |
All recalled products bear the establishment number “EST. 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, iincluding 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
The Listeria outbreak linked to these products has already had serious consequences. As of July 25, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners have identified 34 cases of Listeria infection across 13 states. These cases have resulted in 33 hospitalizations and, tragically, two deaths. The investigation is ongoing, with samples collected from affected individuals between May 29 and July 12, 2024.
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.
Food Poisoning News has also reported on a number of recent Listeria contaminations, including Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, Wiers Farm produce, walnuts, and meatballs.
Commenting on this developing story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Ensuring food safety across a large and diverse food supply system is complex with many challenges. Quick action is required when issues arise to protect public health and maintain consumer confidence in the food industry.”
