Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Third Death Reported, 43 Hospitalized Across 13 States

The listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats has grown increasingly alarming as it continues to spread across multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a total of 43 cases of listeria infection, with three fatalities tied to the outbreak. The states affected include Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. However, the true number of those infected is likely higher, as many cases go unreported when individuals recover without seeking medical attention or being tested for listeria.

The outbreak has been traced back to deli meats, specifically Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, sold at various retail locations and sliced at delis. The contamination has been confirmed through multiple tests conducted by state health departments and laboratories. The Maryland Department of Health, for example, collected an unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product from a retail store, which tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Similarly, the New York State Food Laboratory identified the same strain of listeria from unopened liverwurst products collected from retail stores by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Food Safety and Inspection.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection with symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and even death. The bacteria pose a particularly high risk to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women, in particular, are at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in their newborns due to listeriosis.

Boar's Head Provisions Co. has responded to the crisis by expanding its initial recall, which was first announced in late July, to include an additional 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. This recall now covers all liverwurst products produced at the implicated facility, as well as other products that may have been contaminated. The recall includes 71 products made between May 10 and July 29, under both the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The products in question were distributed to retailers nationwide.

In a statement, Boar's Head expressed its deepest sympathies to the affected families and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. The company stated, "As soon as we learned that our liverwurst was linked to the outbreak, we voluntarily expanded our recall, as a precautionary measure, to include all other products made at the same facility." The company is currently conducting a full review of its processes and procedures to prevent future contamination.

The recall has not only raised concerns among consumers but has also led to legal action. A pregnant woman from Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Boar's Head after she contracted listeriosis from consuming the company’s deli meat, which she purchased from a Publix supermarket in Florida. The woman alleges that the infection caused severe health complications, putting her unborn child at risk. This lawsuit may be one of many as more individuals come forward with claims of illness linked to the contaminated products.

The CDC has issued warnings to consumers who may have purchased Boar's Head deli meats or other recalled products. The agency advises anyone who has these products in their refrigerators to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Additionally, consumers should thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated meat, including refrigerators, containers, and deli slicers.

The CDC has also highlighted the importance of taking preventive measures, particularly for those at higher risk of listeriosis. The agency recommends that individuals in these groups avoid eating deli meats that have not been reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F, as this can kill the bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. The CDC also suggests that deli owners and operators clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli to prevent cross-contamination.

The impact of the listeria outbreak has been profound, not only in terms of the health consequences but also in the broader implications for food safety. The outbreak has prompted a closer examination of the processes involved in the production and distribution of ready-to-eat meats, with calls for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For consumers, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday food products. It underscores the importance of staying informed about food recalls and taking swift action to protect oneself and loved ones from foodborne illnesses. As the investigation into the outbreak continues, it is likely that more information will emerge, potentially leading to further recalls and heightened awareness of the risks associated with deli meats and other ready-to-eat products.

The ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain and the critical need for vigilance in food safety practices. As the CDC and other health agencies continue to monitor the situation, consumers are urged to remain cautious and follow the guidelines provided to reduce the risk of infection.