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.
August 29, 2024 Update
- Fourteen additional cases of Listeria infection from consumption of the recalled sliced deli meats have been recorded, bringing the total current count to 57 cases.
- Fourteen additional hospitalizations have been reported, bringing the total current count to 57.
- Another six deaths have been reported, bringing the total current count to nine.
- Cases have been reported in five additional states, bringing the total current count to 18 states. New York state has the highest number of current reported cases at 17.
- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Food Safety and Inspection took unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products from retail stores for testing. The New York State Food Laboratory identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in these products. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) confirmed that the strain found matched the one responsible for making people sick in the current outbreak.
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 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.
Commenting on this developing story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Nine people have now tragically died and many more have been hospitalized. No consumer, whether those who are generally healthy or those in a high-risk category, should eat any of the recalled products, even if they look or smell safe to use.”
Last week, Food Poisoning News reported on the life of one victim, Günter “Garshon” Morgenstein. Morgenstein was a Holocaust survivor who later emigrated to Canada and then the United States who later built a family and a 70-year career in cosmetology.
