Boar’s Head, a popular producer of deli meats across the U.S, is facing a recall due to listeria outbreak connected to its products. The investigation, which began on July 19, 2024, has revealed that 57 people are hospitalized and so far, nine deaths have been recorded across 18 states.
The Boar’s Head recall was announced after the Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst produced by Boar’s Head between June 11 and July 17 collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the Listeria Bacteria. This is the country’s largest Listeria outbreak since 2011. The company recalled only the Liverwurst but has now extended the recall to more of its products.
According to a report by USDA, Boar’s Head is recalling nearly 7 million additional pounds of ready to eat meat and poultry products.
“The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes”- USDA.
Affected States and impact of the Listeria Outbreak
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the listeria outbreak has spread across these 18 states:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- Virginia
- Florida
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
New York has been hit the hardest, with 17 reported cases. Meanwhile, deaths have been confirmed in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina while several others affected by the bacteria are hospitalized across other states in the U.S.
Map showing affected states and number of sick people
Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Recalled Boar’s Head Products
Boar’s Head recalled its deli meat products due to the listeria contamination. However, the company has recalled many other products. According to a report by the USDA, the company expansion includes 71 more products produced between May 10,2024 and July 29,2024 which are under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names.
Here is a breakdown of the recalled products by Boar’s Head:
- Liverwurst and other deli meats products – Recalled July 26, 2024.
- 7 million pounds of Boar Head’s ready-to-eat meat and poultry products – Recalled July 30, 2024. This expansion includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024.
- All deli products, including prepackaged items, are under recall.
- Affected products can be identified by the USDA mark of inspection, labeled “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the packaging.
Safety measures and consumer guidance
Listeria is a severe bacterial infection caused by eating food contaminated with listeria and causes listeriosis which is a serious health condition in older adults – aged 65 or older, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USDA recommend the following safety measures:
- Check product labels: Ensure to inspect any Boar’s Head products you have at home. Trash any products that match the description of any of the recalled products or those that have the USDA mark of inspection.
- Monitor for symptoms: People in high-risk categories such as older adults, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems should be alert for symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Pregnant women should be especially alert as listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe infection in newborns.
- Seek medical attention: Those who may have possibly eaten any Boar’s Head products should seek medical attention immediately. Those who are currently experiencing these symptoms are advised to go for a medical check up within two months to avoid any complications.
