Hello everyone, let’s dive into an important update that concerns a popular brand and your safety. Boar’s Head, a well-known name in the deli meat industry, has expanded its recall of ready-to-eat products by a staggering 7 million pounds. This comes as federal authorities continue to investigate a deadly listeria outbreak. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) shared this alarming news late Tuesday.
Now, to give you a bit of background, last week the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) initially issued a recall for 100 tons of Boar’s Head products. This was triggered after reports that two people had tragically died and 34 others were hospitalized across 13 states due to potentially contaminated meat.
Those numbers alone are concerning, but the latest recall is even broader, covering 71 products made between May 10 and July 29. These products include favorites like Virginia ham, beef salami, and bologna, all produced at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant.
So, what’s going on? The problem was first discovered when a liverwurst sample collected by health officials in Maryland tested positive for listeria. Further testing revealed that the bacteria was the same strain causing illnesses reported between late May and July.
Although no new cases of listeria-related food poisoning have been reported since, Boar’s Head took immediate action. They voluntarily expanded their recall and halted production of ready-to-eat foods at the Jarratt facility. The company emphasized that this decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” to protect public health.
This issue doesn’t just affect the United States. The recalled meat was distributed not only nationwide but also to several international locations, including the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Boar’s Head was informed by the USDA on July 29 that its liverwurst was linked to the national listeria outbreak. In response, the company assured the public that they were taking every possible step to ensure safety.
Stores like Stop & Shop have taken proactive measures, closing deli counters at all of their supermarkets following the recall. And if you have any of these recalled products at home, don’t eat them.
Instead, you should discard them or return them to the store for a refund. Also, health officials are advising that you thoroughly clean and sanitize your refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination.
Listeria is no joke. According to the CDC, around 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeria food poisoning each year, and about 260 of them die. The symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to more severe effects like stiff neck, confusion, and even convulsions. Those most at risk are individuals over 65, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
