Deli Meats That May Be Linked To Deadly Listeria Outbreak Recalled

JARRATT, VA — Boar's Head is recalling several deli meats for possible listeria contamination that could be linked to a multi-state outbreak that left two people dead and sickened nearly three dozen others.

In a notice released by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Boar's Head Provisions Co. recalled all liverwurst products and several types of deli meats after a sample tested positive for L. monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes listeriosis.

The recall includes 207,528 pounds of products that were shipped to retail locations nationwide, the notice said.

See the full list of recalled products.

The recall comes 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.

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As of July 25, 34 people had been sickened in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, FSIS officials said. Samples were collected from sick patients between May 29 and July 12.

CDC data last updated on July 19 shows patients were from 12 states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and beyond. Deaths were reported in New Jersey and the other in Illinois.

"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."

An analysis showed people sickened in the outbreak were more likely to have eaten deli-sliced turkey and liverwurst.

In 2022, another listeria outbreak that officials believed was linked to deli meat and cheese sickened at least two people in Illinois and killed a Maryland resident.

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.