This year, a multi-state listeria outbreak has been associated with Boar’s Head deli meats. According to the CDC, nine people have died, and another 57 individuals have been hospitalized. The listeriosis outbreak has been reported in 18 states, surpassing any listeriosis incident since the 2011 cantaloupe-related deaths, which claimed more than 30 lives.
A CDC update on Wednesday confirmed 14 new cases of the illness and six new deaths. The deaths occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. The affected patients were between 32 and 94 years old, with an average age of 77. They were hospitalized after contracting Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can survive freezing temperatures.
Boar’s Head initiated a recall on July 25 for its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, produced at its facility in Jarratt, Virginia, due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall was expanded several days later to include 7 million pounds of various deli meats, encompassing all products manufactured at the plant. The company expressed deep regret over the outbreak, emphasizing that food hygiene is always a major concern. They extended condolences to the affected families and acknowledged the severity of the contamination.
Listeria is known to be a highly resilient bacterium, capable of surviving on equipment such as deli slicers and on various food items even in refrigerated conditions. A CDC study revealed that deli meats, including those sliced at delis, like Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, were contaminated with Listeria, which can spread from equipment, surfaces, and food.
The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. More serious forms of the disease can affect the nervous system, leading to neck stiffness, headache, and impaired balance. The illness poses a particular threat to individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly, specifically those aged 65 and above.
The CDC recommends that consumers avoid eating any deli meats that have been recalled, as some of these foods can remain viable for up to two and a half years beyond their sell-by date of October 2024. While some bacteria and parasites are resistant to temperature moderation, reheating foods to a sufficient temperature can kill these bacteria and act as a safeguard against infection.
