Boar’s Head is recalling more than 7 million pounds of processed meats tied to the deadly outbreak

After whole genome sequencing revealed that a sample of Boar’s Head deli meat was contaminated with the outbreak strain responsible for a deadly Listeria outbreak, the company expanded its recall to include an additional 7 million pounds of products.

The Jarratt, VA-based company announced the expanded recall on July 30. The recall now affects all liverwurst products produced by the company that are currently commercially available because they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. FSIS) announced.

The company is also recalling additional processed meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and therefore may have been adulterated with Listeria. The company had previously recalled 200,000 pounds of products.

The ready-to-use liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024 and have a shelf life of 44 days. Click here to view labels. The following liverwurst products are subject to a recall.

• 3.5 pounds. loaves in a plastic wrapper, or packages of varying weights, sliced ​​at delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers will have an on-sale date ranging from July 25, 2024 to August 30, 2024 printed on the side of the package.

The other ready-to-eat meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The following meat products are included in the recall:

• 9.5 pounds. and 4.5 lbs. whole product, or packages of varying weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with the sell-by date “AUGUST 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 4 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with the sell-by date “AUGUST 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 6 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with the sell-by date “AUGUST 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 4 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with the sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 2.5 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with the sell-by date “AUGUST 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 5.5 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with the sell-by date “AUGUST 15” on the product package.
• Packages of 3 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with the sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product package.
• Packages of 3 pounds or various weights, cut at delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with the sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product package.

The products subject to recall were distributed to delis across the country. The products sent to delicatessen stores are labeled with location number “EST. 12612” within the USDA inspection mark on product labels.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, has removed an unopened liverwurst product from a store for testing as part of an investigation into an outbreak of. Further testing is being conducted to determine if the product sample is linked to the outbreak.

The FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health partners to investigate multi-state outbreaks of Listeria infections linked to meat cut in delis.

As of July 25, officials have identified 34 sick people in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Everyone who ate something remembered that product and develop symptoms of a Listeria infection, should seek medical attention and inform their doctor of the possible exposure to Listeria.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,Click here)