Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak: Largest U.S. Outbreak Since 2011

Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meats has tragically claimed a ninth life.

This outbreak has led to five deaths across four states, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and New Mexico. Additionally, there have been three earlier cases reported in New Jersey, Illinois, and Virginia. 

Listeria can easily spread between equipment, surfaces, hands, and food, and it’s the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths in the U.S.

Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak: Largest U.S. Outbreak Since 2011

The listeria outbreak is linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. Boar’s Head has recalled several products from its plant in Jarratt, Virginia. What started as a recall for liverwurst has now expanded to include all deli meats made at this facility, including sliced hams, sausages, and meatloaves.

The outbreak has hit 18 states, leaving 57 people hospitalized. The affected states are Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

This outbreak is now considered the largest listeriosis in the U.S. since the 2011 cantaloupe outbreak, which caused 147 illnesses and 33 deaths. Boar’s Head has recalled over 3,600 tons of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

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Violations at Boar’s Head Plant 

The Department of Agriculture uncovered multiple violations at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, raising significant concerns about food safety.

Issues found included mold and mildew buildup, leaking water, and insect infestations around the meat.

As a result, the plant has ceased operations and is undergoing an extensive cleaning and disinfection process.

These violations underscore the critical need for strict hygiene practices in food production to prevent health risks and protect consumers.

Listeria Facts

Listeria is a type of germ that can stick around on surfaces like meat slicers and in refrigerated foods.

If you get infected, symptoms might not show up for up to 10 weeks, but usually they appear within two weeks.

Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or even seizures.

Product Warning

Some Boar’s Head products involved in the outbreak have sell-by dates that go up to October 2024. To stay safe, check for any recalls and avoid buying these products to reduce the risk of infection.

FAQs

Listeria Outbreak Cheese Recall

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has recalled BeiHollow Farm cheese due to possible listeria contamination, so discard it immediately if you have any.

A Pennsylvania farm with unpasteurized cheese has tested positive for listeria but has not issued a recall. Old Europe Cheese has recalled 25 brands of brie and camembert after a listeria outbreak sickened six people, five of whom were hospitalized.

Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s have also recalled products like salad kits and chicken wraps linked to a listeria outbreak from Rizo López Foods.

What actions has Boar’s Head taken in response to the outbreak?

In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head has recalled the affected products and stopped operations at the Virginia plant for cleaning and disinfection. Initially, the recall was limited to liverwurst but has now been expanded to all deli meats produced at the facility.

Listeria Outbreak Milkshakes

Recent listeria outbreaks have been linked to milkshakes from two sources. At Frugals Restaurant in Tacoma, Washington, listeria was found in all milkshake flavors, leading to six hospitalizations and three deaths due to contamination in ice cream machines.

If you had a milkshake there between May 29 and August 7 and are feeling unwell, seek medical advice.

In Canada, several plant-based milks have also been involved in a listeria outbreak, but no new cases have been reported recently, indicating the situation is improving.

Listeria Outbreak Deli Meats What Brand?

The listeria outbreak in deli meats is linked to Boar’s Head products.

Listeria Outbreak Fruit Recall and Listeria Outbreak Peaches

The FDA and CDC, along with local partners, have been investigating a listeria outbreak linked to peaches, plums, and nectarines that occurred from May 2022 to November 2023.

Seven people who were interviewed all reported eating peaches, plums, or nectarines, and the outbreak strain of Listeria was traced to peaches from HMC Farms.

DNA testing showed that the bacteria in these peaches were closely related to those in the infected people. If you have any of the recalled stone fruits, make sure to throw them away right away to avoid health risks.

The recalled fruits were sold under various brand names and include non-organic stone fruits. If you have any of these fruits, you should throw them away.

Those at higher risk, such as pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, should see a healthcare provider if they experience these symptoms.

Listeria Outbreak Aldi Recall

Aldi and Walmart have issued a recall for nearly 20 varieties of vegetables due to potential listeria contamination. The list of affected items includes cucumbers, bell peppers, green beans, parsley, and more.

This recall extends an earlier one that was specifically about cucumbers. Fortunately, there haven’t been any reports of illness connected to these vegetables yet.

If you have any of the recalled items in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to dispose of them immediately to ensure your safety.

What are the symptoms of a listeria infection?

Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Symptoms can appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but may take up to 10 weeks to develop.

Are there any warnings about affected products?

Yes, some Boar’s Head products related to the outbreak have sell-by dates extending to October 2024. Consumers should check for recalls and avoid buying these products to lower the risk of infection.