A massive recall is under way after a possible source of a Listeria outbreak in 13 states including Virginia was found.
As of July 25, the outbreak has resulted in 34 sick people including 33 that required hospitalization and two deaths.
Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt establishment, is recalling all liverwurst products that are currently available for sale because they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may also be contaminated.
In total, more than 200,000 pounds of Boar’s Head meat products are being pulled from store deli counters, according to an announcement this morning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
A sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of the outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections.
FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health partners to investigate the multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at delis.
Further testing is ongoing. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Detailed recall information
The ready-to-eat Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. liverwurst products were produced between June 11 and July 17 and have a 44-day shelf life.
The following liverwurst products are subject to recall:
- 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst Made In Virginia.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25 to Aug. 30, printed on the side of the packaging.
The following deli meat products are subject to recall:
The ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27.
- 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Virginia Ham Old Fashioned Ham with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Italian Cappy Style Ham with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
- 6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham with sell by date of Aug.10 on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Bologna with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
- 2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Beef Salami with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
- 5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat with sell by date of Aug. 15 on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Garlic Bologna with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boar’s Head Beef Bologna with sell by date of Aug. 10 on the product packaging.
The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide.
The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number EST. 12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., customer service at 1-800-352-6277.
About Listeria
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older or with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
Cleanup recommended at home, retail stores
FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and in retail deli cases.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them, and retailers are urged not to sell these products with the referenced sell-by dates.
These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
FSIS recommends retail delis clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli.
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Crystal Graham
