An expanded recall of Boar’s Head meat has been issued, affecting an additional 7 million pounds of products. The recall was prompted by an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes illnesses associated with sliced meat from grocery store deli counters.
Last week, Boar’s Head recalled over 200,000 pounds of ready-to-eat liverwurst products and other deli meats. The company received information from the US Department of Agriculture linking its Strassburger brand liverwurst to the outbreak, leading to the decision to recall all items produced at its Jarratt, Virginia facility.
The recall now includes various ham, bologna, bacon, frankfurter, and sausage products with sell-by dates ranging from July 29 to October 17. These products were distributed to stores across the US, as well as in the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
As of now, 34 illnesses have been reported in 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that can lead to fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and more severe symptoms in vulnerable populations.
The CDC advises pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems to avoid consuming deli meat unless it has been heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Listeria can easily spread in delis, making proper food handling and hygiene crucial in preventing contamination.
If anyone experiences symptoms of listeriosis, prompt medical attention is recommended. The CDC is working with public health officials to investigate the outbreak and identify its source. Consumers who have purchased recalled products are urged to discard them and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated meat.
