Boar’s Head Recalls Over 207,000 Pounds of Deli Meat Due to Listeria Contamination

Overview of the Recall

Boar’s Head has initiated a comprehensive recall involving over 207,000 pounds of deli meat products, including liverwurst and ham, distributed across the United States. This recall follows the identification of Listeria monocytogenes in liverwurst from a retail location in Maryland. The discovery was made during an ongoing investigation into a widespread listeria outbreak that, as of Thursday, has resulted in 34 confirmed cases across 13 states.

Details of the Outbreak and Recall

The current listeria outbreak has had severe ramifications, including two fatalities: one patient in Illinois and another in New Jersey. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities, the outbreak is strongly associated with sliced deli meats. Many of the affected individuals reported consuming deli products such as turkey, liverwurst, and ham.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall announcement. The FSIS is conducting further testing to ascertain whether the listeria found in the Maryland liverwurst sample is linked to the broader outbreak.

Scope of the Recall

The recall includes Boar’s Head ready-to-eat liverwurst produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024. The recall extends to other deli meat products manufactured using the same production equipment during this period, such as beef salami, bologna, and ham. Boar’s Head’s decision to recall these products is a precautionary measure to address potential contamination and mitigate health risks.

A spokesperson for Boar’s Head emphasized the company’s commitment to consumer safety: “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. As soon as a listeria adulteration was confirmed in our Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, we immediately and voluntarily recalled the product. Out of an abundance of caution, we also decided to recall additional products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst product.”

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to either dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase. Additionally, the USDA recommends a thorough cleaning of refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination. Listeria bacteria can survive and multiply in cold temperatures, posing a risk of contamination to other foods stored in the refrigerator.

Health Implications of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a significant public health concern and ranks as the third-leading cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the U.S. Symptoms of listeriosis generally appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated food, though they may manifest as soon as immediately or as late as 10 weeks. Initial symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, and confusion. In severe cases, listeriosis can lead to blood infections or meningitis.

The infection poses a higher risk to certain groups, including the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. For pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to severe outcomes for the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.

The CDC advises individuals who are pregnant or otherwise at high risk to avoid foods known to carry a higher risk of listeria contamination, such as deli meats, smoked seafood, and soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Deli meats are considered high risk for listeria contamination for several reasons. Listeria bacteria can easily spread across surfaces and equipment within manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, deli meats are often stored and consumed cold, conditions that allow the bacteria to thrive. To reduce the risk of infection, it is advised that deli meats be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient to eliminate listeria bacteria.

Darin Detwiler, a professor of food regulatory policy at Northeastern University, noted the inherent challenges in food safety: “No company is immune to failures in food safety. Even minor lapses in sanitation within a production facility can lead to significant outbreaks.”

Context and Statistics

The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis occur annually in the U.S., with around 260 resulting in death. Although most listeriosis cases are not linked to outbreaks, several notable outbreaks occur each year. Earlier this year, a listeria outbreak associated with queso fresco and cotija cheese resulted in 23 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Conclusion

The Boar’s Head recall underscores the critical importance of rigorous food safety practices and vigilance in preventing contamination. The ongoing investigation and recall efforts highlight the complexities involved in managing foodborne illness risks and safeguarding public health. Consumers are urged to adhere to safety guidelines and stay informed about product recalls to mitigate the health risks associated with listeria and other foodborne pathogens.