Boar's Head recalls deli meats due to Listeria outbreak reported in 13 states including PA

A Listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meats — resulting in two deaths and 33 hospitalizations so far — has led to a recall of Boar’s Head products.

According the Centers for Disease Control, the cases have been reported across 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and involve people eating meats sliced at deli counters in grocery stores, delis, and other food shops.

Listeria can spread through cross contamination on deli equipment, kitchen surfaces, foods and human contact. The bacteria can survive cold temperatures and refrigeration.

The CDC estimates Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S.

What products were recalled due to the Listeria outbreak?

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall of Boar’s Head deli meat products and ready-to-eat liverwurst products. The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide, and bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

Below are the products included in the recall:

• Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia: 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by dates ranging from July 25 to Aug. 30.
• Virginia Ham Old Fashioned Ham: 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Italian Cappy Style Ham: 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham: 6-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Bologna: 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Beef Salami: 2.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat: 5.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 15.
• Garlic Bologna: 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.
• Beef Bologna: 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis. Sell by date of Aug. 10.

What states have reported Listeria cases?

Although these states have reported cases of Listeria, the CDC said it can be more as it can take weeks for cases to be reported.

• Georgia
• Illinois — one death
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• New Jersey — one death
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

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What are the symptoms of Listeria?

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, and is sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.

What should you do if you have recalled deli meats?

The CDC advises everyone, even those who are generally healthy, to check their refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. To prevent cross-contamination, be sure to clean your refrigerator, containers and any surfaces which may have come into contact with the recalled products.

If you've eaten food you suspect may have been contaminated and start to experience symptoms, seek medical care and alert your healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.

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.

In addition to not eating the recalled products, the CDC warns those at high risk, to not eat any other meats sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165-degrees or until steaming hot. And be sure to clean your refrigerator, containers or surfaces that may have touched sliced any deli meats.

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.