1 FL Death Reported In Listeria Outbreak Tied To Deli Meats: CDC

FLORIDA — A listeria outbreak connected to Boar’s Head deli meats has killed one person in Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a Wednesday update about its investigation.

While Boar’s Head has its headquarters in Sarasota, the deli meats connected to the listeria outbreak came from the company’s plant in Virginia. Federal inspectors found bugs, mold and puddles of blood were found at the plant, according to CBS News.

Nine deaths total have been reported in the outbreak. In addition to one in Florida, one death has been reported in Illinois, one in New Jersey, one in Virginia, one in Florida, one in Tennessee, one in New Mexico, and two in South Carolina, the CDC said.

Since Aug. 18, there have been 14 additional illnesses reported in the outbreak, the agency said.

As of Tuesday, a total of 57 people were infected in 18 states. All who fell ill have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after their recovery.

On July 31, Boar's Head expanded a recall to include 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Recalled 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.

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.

"Food safety is our absolute priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. For generations, Boar’s Head has always been, and remains, committed to the quality and safety of our products. You have our promise that we are dedicated to all Boar’s Head products consistently meeting the high quality and safety standards you deserve and expect. We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness,” Boar’s Head wrote in a statement on its website.

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.

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.

To avoid getting sick, consumers are urged to not eat the recalled products. The CDC also advises that people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system heat any deli meats to 165 degrees or until steaming hot before eating.

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