Boar's Head Deli Meat Recall
The listeria outbreak is connected to Boar's Head deli meats. The original recall was issued on July 26, but is ongoing. The products were produced between May 10 and July 29, but have best by dates through October 17th. The recall includes 71 different products and were sold under the Boar's Head and Old Country brand names.
The recalled products include different hams, bologna, salami, liverwurst, bacon, pork, and sausages. For a full list of the recalled products including brand names, production date ranges, sell by date ranges, and case codes, click here.
Nationwide Listeria Outbreak
In July, a Boar's Head liverwurst sample tested positive for the outbreak strain of listeria monocytogenes. Boar's Head immediately issued a recall of all items produced at its Virginia-based facilities and paused all operations so that the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety & Inspection Service could investigate. Their investigation revealed dozens of violations at the production side, including black mold, mildew, cobwebs, and insects, all of which were found repeatedly throughout the site.
This is the largest listeria outbreak since the listeria outbreak in 2011 that was linked to cantaloupe. Listeria can remain on surfaces like meat slicers and foods, even if they are refrigerated, and symptoms can take up to 10 weeks to present themselves, so it's important to stay vigilant in monitoring your health if you've consumed the recalled products.
Death Toll Rises to 9
Since the recall was initiated, 57 illnesses have been reported, and all 57 individuals were hospitalized. Additionally, 9 people have died in relation to the outbreak: one from Illinois, one from New Jersey, one from Virginia, one from Florida, one from Tennessee, one from New Mexico, one from New York, and two from South Carolina. In addition to being shipped to retailers across the United States, some of the recalled products were sold in the Grand Cayman islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
If you have purchased any Boar's Head products in recent months, check to make sure they are not one of the recalled items. If you have any of the recalled products in your home, dispose of them immediately. If you have consumed any of the recalled products, monitor any symptoms you may have, including fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Listeria is especially dangerous to those that are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised.