Boar’s Head Provisions recently recalled millions of pounds of deli meat and temporarily closed its Jarratt facility to properly clean its processing rooms and coolers after a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Liverwurst deli meat prepared at the plant.
Due to the recall and associated deaths and sickness, many consumers tossed out any deli meat in their refrigerators to be on the safe side opting for an alternative like a peanut butter and jelly or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.
“Take this opportunity to branch out into something new. Salads, soups or vegetables with dip might become your new go-to lunch,” said Lester Schonberger, Virginia Tech associate extension specialist. “Or take this as an opportunity to try making yourself some of the foods you would buy prepared, like roast beef or turkey breast.”
While the Boar’s Head facility in Virginia had numerous violations, most food businesses prepare safe food for consumers, he said.
“Food businesses generally work hard to grow, process, prepare and serve safe food for you to consume,” said Schonberger. “Unfortunately, outbreaks continue to happen for many reasons, and the related recalls have significant ripple effects.”
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, sewage and decaying plant material, said Schonberger. It is a particularly hardy pathogen, capable of surviving in damp areas, and on stainless steel and glass within the food-processing environment. Once established on the surface, he said, it is difficult to eliminate and may often be the cause of post-process food contamination.
“Like many bacteria, it can be easily killed using heat. It is unique among foodborne pathogens, however, because refrigeration does not prevent the growth of this organism,” said Schonberger. “In fact, L. monocytogenes not only survives but can grow at refrigeration temperatures.”
As part of the Boar’s Head recall, consumers who had purchased deli meats were asked to throw away the product or return it to the place of purchase.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommended that any surfaces or containers that may have touched any Boar’s Head deli meats be sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
Schonberger also said he also recommends consumers use safe food handling practices at home.
“While it would not have prevented the illnesses caused by this outbreak, we encourage the use of safe food handling practices at home including thorough handwashing and preparing food on clean surfaces with clean utensils,” he said.
“Separate raw foods that require cooking from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Cook foods to safe internal temperatures and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.”
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Crystal Graham
