CDC Issues Warning for Recalled Boar’s Head Products as Listeria Outbreak Grows

The CDC has issued a new warning for the public to avoid eating recalled deli meats amid a growing number of listeria infections and deaths.

As of August 27, the CDC has tracked a total of 57 infections and nine deaths since Boar’s Head Provisions Co.’s July 26 recall.  That’s 14 more illnesses and six more deaths reported since the CDC’s previous update on August 8.

Illnesses have been reported across 18 states, and all 57 have been hospitalized.

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 currently reported illnesses, the CDC says. Some people can recover without needing medical care and without being tested for listeria. It also tends to take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak, so recent illnesses may not yet be reported.

Listeria can remain on surfaces like meat slicers and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. The germ can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.

Those infected with listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria-contaminated food consumption, may not experience symptoms for up to 10 weeks after infection.

Which products were recalled?Boar's Head Provisions Co.'s recall includes 17 products under the Old Country Brand name.USDA FSIS

Boar’s Head recalled over 7.2 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, according to an announcement from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS).

The recall includes Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst products and all other Boar’s Head deli products produced in the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant. The original July 26 recall included only the liverwurst products, but it was expanded on July 30 to include the additional deli products.

These products were produced between May 10 and July 29, 2024, and include meat intended for slicing at retail delis and packaged products sold at retail locations, with “sell by” dates reaching into October 2024. Customers and retailers can identify contaminated products by the establishment numbers “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the product labels, FSIS says.

Advice for consumers amid listeria outbreak

The CDC asks that people not eat recalled meats, and either throw them away or contract stores about returns. People should also clean their refrigerator and any containers or surfaces than may have touched recalled meats.

Those at higher risk of serious illness from a listeria infection are advised to also not eat other deli meats served at sliced deli counters, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. People at higher risk include those who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system.

People should call their healthcare provider right away if they have any symptoms associated with listerosis, like a fever, muscle aches, tiredness, a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.