7 Million Pounds Of Meat Recalled Amid Listeria Outbreak

Seven million pounds of meat and poultry products have been recalled amid a nationwide listeria outbreak that has sickened residents in 13 states, officials said this week. Boar's Head announced it has recalled seven million pounds of its products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

The deli meat recall is believed to be behind a listeria outbreak that has resulted in dozens of hospitalizations and two deaths.

The expansion of the recall includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Items include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

The recalled products, which were sold nationwide, include varieties of ham, bologna, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and more. The products have sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024 through Oct. 17, 2024. A full list of recalled products is here.

This is the second recall associated with the listeria outbreak tied to deli meats.

The initial recall, issued July 26, included more than 207,000 pounds of meat and came just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that several people in multiple states had been sickened after eating meats sliced at deli counters.

Eating food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. People outside these risk groups are less affected.

How many people are impacted by this outbreak, and in what states?

As of July 26, 34 people had been sickened in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the CDC.

Cases have been reported in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Georgia Maryland and beyond. Deaths were reported in New Jersey and the other in Illinois.

Here is a map where cases have so far been reported:

"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," health officials said in a news release. "This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak."

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Company faces first lawsuit

Boar's Head is facing its first lawsuit connected with the outbreak: A Missouri couple who regularly purchase Boar's Head liverwurst from their local Schnucks grocery store. According to information from the couple's lawyer, OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, the woman became "deathly ill" after eating the liverwurst in June.

"After purchasing and consuming Boar's Head liverwurst in June, the Plaintiff became deathly ill and was hospitalized in early July. Testing confirmed that she was suffering from a life-threatening Listeria infection. Thankfully, she survived after a long and harrowing hospitalization, but then endured a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility to continue her recovery," a news release from OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers said.

How can I avoid getting sick?

Most importantly, do not eat the recalled products. CDC also advises that people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system heat any deli meats to 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.

Health officials also recommend disinfecting your refrigerator if you stored any of the recalled products.