Listeria in deli meats; what to avoid packing for lunch

The listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has led to 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths across 18 states, while more are possible as the incubation period for listeria can last more than two months.

Live bugs, dead bugs, black mold, green mold and mildew are among the dozens of violations that have been found at a Boar's Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia that has been linked to the nationwide recall of deli meats, according to news sources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously found a link between Boar's Head brand liverwurst and the people getting sick with listeria.

Boar's Head Provisions Co. initially recalled over 200,000 pounds of liverwurst due to potential listeria contamination on July 26. However, they have since expanded the recall to include every product made at the Jarratt plant in Virginia.

According to news reports , samples from unopened products that came from the Jarratt plant were found to be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. All operations have been suspended at this plant as the company works to disinfect the plant and retrain employees.

What deli meats to avoid?

The recalled products are limited to those purchased before July 31 and may have labels reading “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection - some of the products have sell-by dates into October, according to the CDC.

The contaminated meats included various types of ham, bologna, frankfurters, sausage and Old Country brands of ham. The full list includes favorites like tavern ham, Virginia ham, and bologna.

Boar's Head said all affected deli meats and products have been removed from sale in food retail as well as foodservice outlets.

Who is at high risk?

Listeria is especially harmful and considered high risk to those that are pregnant, aged 65 years or older or have a compromised immune system.

The CDC warns those at high risk, to not eat meats sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165-degrees or until steaming hot. (Listeria can grow on foods kept in refrigerator.) Clean your refrigerator, containers or surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start within the first two weeks of eating contaminated food with Listeria, however it can show up as late at up to 10 weeks later.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Listeria in deli meats; what to avoid packing for lunch