WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an update on the ongoing multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. The latest data highlights an increase in the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with the outbreak, which has now affected 43 individuals across 13 states.
Recalled Products
The outbreak has been linked to Boar’s Head ready-to-eat liverwurst products produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024. These products have a 44-day shelf life, with sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024. The recall also includes all Boar’s Head deli meat products, including prepackaged items, from the same establishment. Consumers are advised to look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
Source of the Outbreak
Comprehensive epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data reveal that meats sliced at delis, including Boar’s Head liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria. This bacterium can easily spread among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. It is resilient to refrigeration but can be killed through reheating to a sufficient temperature.
Key Points
Since the last update on July 31, nine additional cases have been reported, bringing the total to 43. All affected individuals have been hospitalized, and there have now been three deaths: one each from Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. On July 30, Boar’s Head extended their July 26 recall to include all deli products in shelf life from the implicated establishment. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets collected unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products from retail stores, and laboratory tests identified the same Listeria strain responsible for the outbreak.
What You Should Do
Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled deli products. These items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Those at higher risk for Listeria infection, including pregnant women, individuals aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid deli meats unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.
Any surfaces, containers, or refrigerators that may have come into contact with the recalled products should be thoroughly cleaned. Individuals experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection, such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, should contact their healthcare provider if they have recently consumed deli meats.
Business Advisory
Businesses that have received the recalled meats should undertake rigorous cleaning and sanitization measures and discard any opened sliced meats and cheeses at deli counters. They should also adhere to USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli environments.
About Listeria
Listeria can cause severe illness when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body. In pregnant women, it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn. In non-pregnant individuals, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, alongside fever and muscle aches. Symptoms of severe illness typically begin 1 to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food but may manifest as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure.
The CDC stated that it continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
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