A recall of Boar’s Head products has expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of deli and poultry items in a deadly multistate outbreak of listeria infections. So far, 34 people have fallen ill across 13 states, with 33 hospitalizations and two deaths reported. The fatalities occurred in Illinois and New Jersey. Last week, the deli meat company initially recalled over 207,000 pounds of deli meat due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the expansion of the recall on Tuesday, including 71 products produced from May 10 to July 29 under the Boar’s Head and Old Country Brand names and distributed nationwide. The recall was initiated after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria by the Maryland Department of Health.
The recall includes meat intended for deli slicing, as well as packaged meat and poultry products, with sell by dates ranging from July 29 to October 17 this year. Products were also distributed to locations in the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Boar’s Head stated that the first recall was for Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, followed by an additional nine products produced on the same line at its Jarratt, Virginia facility. The company has decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility while the investigation is ongoing. Those who purchased the affected products are advised to dispose of them and clean their refrigerators to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other foods. The investigation is being conducted by the FSIS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health partners.
Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness most commonly caused by consuming improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products. It is the third-leading cause of death from food poisoning in the U.S. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food and can include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, stiff neck, and confusion. In severe cases, the bacteria may cause a blood infection or meningitis, proving particularly dangerous for older individuals, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The CDC estimates that around 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year, resulting in about 260 deaths.
Boar’s Head expressed sympathy for those affected by the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and quality. The company expanded the recall in response to the confirmation that its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst was linked to the national deli meat Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. With a commitment to ensuring consumer safety, Boar’s Head decided to suspend ready-to-eat operations at the Jarratt facility until further notice. The spread of the bacteria can pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of prompt action and thorough investigation in such cases. The company urged consumers to discard or return the recalled products and clean their refrigerators to prevent potential contamination.
As authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, the collaboration between the FSIS, CDC, and state health partners is crucial in determining the scope of the contamination and implementing necessary measures to prevent further illnesses. Listeriosis is a serious illness that can have severe consequences for those affected, underscoring the importance of food safety regulations and adherence to proper handling and processing procedures. While most cases of listeriosis are not part of outbreaks, the occurrence of such incidents highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential risks in food production and distribution. Efforts to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health remain a priority for regulatory agencies and food manufacturers alike.
