Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall
On July 26, 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. announced a significant recall of their ready-to-eat deli meat products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall includes approximately 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall primarily targets the following products:
- Strassburger Brand Liverwurst: Produced in various weight packages and sliced in retail delis, with sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
- Virginia Ham: Old Fashioned Ham with sell-by dates of August 10, 2024.
- Italian Cappy Style Ham: Both regular and extra hot versions with sell-by dates of August 10, 2024.
- Bologna and Beef Bologna: With sell-by dates of August 10, 2024.
- Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat: With sell-by dates of August 15, 2024.
Health Impacts
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. In severe cases, it can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Geographic Spread
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the outbreak linked to these products has affected individuals across 12 states, including Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. So far, the outbreak has resulted in two deaths and multiple hospitalizations.
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard any affected products. If you have purchased these items, it is crucial to avoid consumption and to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meats. Retailers carrying Boar’s Head products have been notified and are removing the affected items from their shelves.
