Boar’s Head products have been recalled due a deadly listeria outbreak, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday.
An additional 7m pounds of deli and poultry items are being recalled due to the deadly outbreak after Strassburger brand Liverwurst products were recalled last week. These products have “sell by” dates ranging from 29 July through 17 October, the USDA said.
The USDA added that the problem was discovered when a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland department of health tested positive for the outbreak strain L monocytogenes.
“Further testing determined the product sample tested positive for the outbreak strain. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider,” the USDA said.
Listeria are bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate “listeria is the third leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the United States”.
Boar’s Head said it decided to “immediately and voluntarily expand” the recall to include all items produced at their facility in Jarratt, Virginia.
The company advised customers to discard all recalled products from a list on their website, including different varieties of hams, bologna, bacon, sausage and frankfurters.
The company apologized to customers in a statement: “On behalf of all of us at Boar’s Head Brand, we want to let our customers and consumers know that we deeply regret that our liverwurst products were found to be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for the families that have suffered losses and others who endured illness.
“The health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. Boar’s Head has always been, and remains, committed to the quality and safety of our products. You have our commitment that we are dedicated to all Boar’s Head products consistently meeting the high quality and safety standards you deserve and expect.”
