The Fallout Continues With Boar's Head Meats, Are Floridians' Favorite Deli Meats Safe

Boar's Head Deli Meat Pub SubPhoto byOCMM

From Florida's Beloved Publix Pub-Sub to Subways Foot Long Subs, Are Deli Meats Safe in General, and What Do Health Experts Have to Say?

Fort Lauderdale, FL—Deli meat, a staple in many Southern households, has long been a convenient option for quick meals and sandwiches. However, the recent listeria outbreak and health study advisories have raised significant concerns about the potential dangers of consuming these processed deli meats.

Deli meat, including cold cuts, hot dogs, and sausages, is a staple in many American households. However, beneath its convenient and tasty exterior lies a complex web of preservatives, additives, and processing techniques that make it far from the natural, wholesome food it once was.

Boar's Head Meat Recall: In a recent move to ensure consumer safety, Boar's Head, a leading manufacturer of premium meats, has issued a voluntary recall of several products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects various types of meat distributed to retailers nationwide, including deli meats and cheeses.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for affected products, which can be identified by specific lot numbers and expiration dates. Boar's Head is urging customers to discard or return recalled items to the place of purchase for a full refund. This proactive measure aims to prevent the risk of listeriosis, a serious infection that can be particularly severe in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.

The Risks of Deli Meat
Deli meats, including turkey, ham, and salami, are highly processed foods. They undergo various preservation methods such as smoking, curing, and adding chemical preservatives like nitrates and nitrites. These processes help extend the shelf life of the meat but also introduce harmful compounds that can pose serious health risks.

One of the primary concerns is the high sodium content in deli meats. Excessive sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. Additionally, many deli meats contain saturated fats, which are associated with higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.

Big Deli SandwichPhoto byOCMM

Deli Meat and Cancer
Perhaps the most alarming risk associated with deli meat is its link to cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meats as carcinogenic to humans. Studies have shown that consuming processed meats regularly can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. The nitrates and nitrites used in the preservation process can convert into nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.

Warnings for Pregnant Women
For years, doctors have advised pregnant women to avoid deli meats due to the risk of Listeria infection. Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can contaminate processed meats and cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe illness in newborns. Pregnant women are about ten times more likely to contract Listeria than the general population, making it crucial for them to avoid foods that could be contaminated.

What Can You Do?
While it may be tempting to reach for the convenience of deli meat, there are healthier alternatives available. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods like fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables can significantly reduce your risk of chronic disease.

If you're a deli meat lover, consider the following:

• Choose nitrate-free and low-sodium options
• Limit your consumption to special occasions or weekends
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based options
• Read labels carefully and avoid products with added preservatives and fillers.

The Process Behind Deli Meat
The processing of deli meat involves several steps, starting with the selection of raw meat, which is then ground and mixed with various additives. The meat is cured with salts or nitrites to preserve it and enhance its flavor. While this curing process is effective in preventing spoilage, it also contributes to the formation of harmful compounds.

A cocktail of chemicals, including sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, is added to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. These substances have been shown to combine with amino acids in the body to form carcinogenic compounds, which have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Moving Forward
While deli meats offer convenience and taste, the potential health risks associated with their consumption cannot be ignored. From increased cancer risk to cardiovascular issues and the dangers posed to pregnant women, it is essential to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies. Opting for fresh, unprocessed meats and being mindful of our dietary choices can promote better health and well-being.

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Research and source materials:

https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/eat-less-processed-meat.h11-1590624.html

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-can-i-choose-a-healthier-lunch-meat

https://www.eatthis.com/is-deli-meat-bad-for-you/

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https://www.lesscancer.org/deli-meat-and-cancer-whats-the-link/

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https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/the-effects-of-processed-meats-on-your-heart-health

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https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/details-delimeats-7-24.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/21/dining/deli-meat-high-prices-recall.html

https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/pediatric-nutrition-notes-is-deli-meat-safe-

https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2024/08/alabama-man-incapacitated-from-boars-head-listeria-outbreak-files-federal-lawsuit.html

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/deli-meats/