U.S. health authorities have issued a recall for certain Boar’s Head liverwurst and deli meats owing to concerns about a listeria outbreak that has affected almost 34 individuals and led to two fatalities. Boar’s Head Provisions Co. is recalling its liverwurst after the U.S. Agriculture Department indicated that it might be contaminated with listeria bacteria. Moreover, the company is also recalling deli-sliced meats produced at a Virginia facility on the same production line and day as the liverwurst, and these products were distributed nationwide.
The USDA reported that a sample of Boar’s Head liverwurst from a store in Maryland tested positive for listeria. This sample, from an unopened package, was gathered by health officials as part of the probe into the listeria outbreak. Health experts are conducting tests to ascertain whether the liverwurst sample is linked to the outbreak.
Since last week, there have been reports of 34 cases of sickness related to the listeria outbreak in 13 states, with almost all individuals requiring hospitalization. Among the impacted individuals, two deaths have occurred, one in Illinois and the other in New Jersey. Symptoms of listeria poisoning include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. While it can be treated with antibiotics, it poses a higher risk to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The recall by Boar’s Head covers more than 200,000 pounds of deli counter-sliced meats, not prepackaged ones, with a variety of multi-pound packages marked with an Aug. 10 sell-by date, such as bologna, garlic bologna, beef bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham, and Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham. Additionally, Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat with a sell-by date of Aug. 15 is also included.
Consumers who may still possess the recalled meats are advised not to consume them. Health officials recommend thoroughly cleaning refrigerators to prevent the contamination of other foods.
