Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Slices, CDC Says

Recall of Boar’s Head Liverwurst Products

Boar’s Head Provisions is recalling all liverwurst products from store shelves due to potential contamination with listeria, as announced by the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service. This recall comes amidst an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak that has affected 34 individuals and resulted in two fatalities across multiple states. Boar’s Head has also identified certain deli meat products that may contain listeria and is recalling over 103 tons of meat.

Warning and Safety Measures

Consumers who have purchased potentially affected Boar’s Head products are advised not to consume them, and retailers are urged to remove the products from their stores. The recalled liver sausage products, produced between June 11 and June 17, have a shelf life of 44 days and were sold in retail delis nationwide. Boar’s Head liverwurst is available in plastic-wrapped 3.5-pound loaves and sliced forms, labeled as “Boar’s Head Strasbourg Brand Liverwurst” with a shelf life between July 25 and August 30. Other Boar’s Head products that may be removed from shelves due to potential listeria contamination include Virginia ham, Italian Carabi Ham, extra hot carabi ham, bologna, beef salami, steakhouse grilled bacon, garlic bologna, and beef bologna.

Listeria Symptoms and Prevention

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the unopened liverwurst product was confirmed through testing conducted by the Maryland Department of Health and the Food and Safety Inspection Service. Listeria can cause mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, but it poses a greater risk to pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. Severe infections may result in symptoms like headache, neck stiffness, loss of balance, confusion, and convulsions. Antibiotics are typically used to treat listeria infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of proper food handling and reheating deli meats to a high temperature to eliminate any potential listeria bacteria.

If you have any questions regarding the Boar’s Head recall, contact the company’s customer service at (800) 352-6277. For food safety inquiries, reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov.