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Boar’s Head Deli Meat Tainted with listeria: Safety Alert

Urgent safety alert: Boar’s Head Deli Meat Tainted with listeria. Learn about the outbreak, recall details, and steps to protect yourself from this foodborne illness.

Boar's Head Deli Meat Tainted with listeria

A big food safety issue has happened. Boar’s Head, a well-known deli meat maker, has recalled many products because of listeria contamination. The Boar’s Head deli meat tainted with listeria has made people worried. This has led to quick actions from health groups and the company.

The recall started with 207,000 pounds of meat but has grown to include 7 million pounds more. This shows how serious the listeria issue is. It has already hit many states.

This food safety crisis is serious. By Tuesday, 34 people in 13 states got sick. Of those, 33 were in the hospital. Sadly, two people died in Illinois and New Jersey because of listeria.

Key Takeaways

  • Boar’s Head has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli and poultry products
  • 34 people across 13 states have been sickened by the listeria outbreak
  • Two deaths have been reported in Illinois and New Jersey
  • The recall includes a wide range of Boar’s Head products
  • Consumers are urged to check their purchases and take necessary precautions

Breaking News: Massive Recall of Boar’s Head Products

Boar’s Head, a top name in deli meats, is in a big trouble. A recent check found contaminated meat, causing a huge recall.

Boar's Head deli meat recall

Initial Recall Shock

The recall began with 207,000 pounds of deli meat. Items like liverwurst and ham were included. The find of listeria in a sample led to this action, making people worry about food safety.

Recall Expansion

The recall grew fast. Boar’s Head added 7 million more pounds of meat. This big step shows how serious the contamination is.

Scope of Affected Products

Now, 71 different products are under recall. These were made from May 10 to July 29. Both Boar’s Head and Old Country Brand are affected. The recall reaches beyond the U.S., impacting several countries.

Recall Phase Amount Recalled Number of Products
Initial 207,000 pounds Limited selection
Expansion 7 million pounds 71 products

This big recall highlights the need for strict checks on deli meats. People are told to check their buys and keep up with news on Boar’s Head products.

Understanding the Listeria Outbreak

The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat has raised serious concerns about foodborne illness across the United States. This listeria outbreak has affected multiple states, causing widespread alarm and prompting swift action from health authorities.

Listeria outbreak map

Multistate Infection Statistics

This food poisoning incident has spread widely, with 13 states reporting cases. A total of 34 people have gotten sick from the contaminated products. This shows how serious the situation is.

Fatalities and Hospitalizations

The outbreak has caused serious health issues. Of the 34 reported cases, 33 people had to go to the hospital. Sadly, two deaths were confirmed – one in Illinois and another in New Jersey.

Timeline of the Outbreak

Health authorities are looking into when this listeria outbreak started. They are still figuring out the exact timeline. But, they know the recall of Boar’s Head products covers items made between May 10 and July 29.

Outbreak Details Data
States Affected 13
Total Cases 34
Hospitalizations 33
Fatalities 2
Production Date Range May 10 – July 29

As the investigation goes on, consumers are told to stay updated on the listeria outbreak. They should also take steps to keep their health safe.

Boar’s Head Deli Meat Tainted with listeria: Details and Impact

The discovery of listeria in Boar’s Head deli meat has caused a big stir in the food world. A routine test by the Maryland Department of Health found the contamination. This led to a huge recall of contaminated meat products. The investigation then grew, showing how widespread the issue was.

Experts tested unopened liverwurst from stores and found the outbreak strain. This led to quick action. Boar’s Head then recalled all items made at their Jarratt, Virginia facility.

Initial Recall Expanded Recall
207,000 pounds 7 million pounds
Limited product range All products from Jarratt facility
Regional distribution National and international distribution

This recall affects more than just Boar’s Head. People all over are checking their fridges for possibly contaminated items. It shows how crucial food safety is in making and sharing ready-to-eat meats.

Food safety is paramount. This recall serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance in our food supply chain.

The full extent of the listeria outbreak in Boar’s Head deli meat is still being looked into. This incident points out the ongoing challenges in keeping food safe across the industry.

Identifying Recalled Products

The Boar’s Head brand has recalled many deli meats. It’s important for consumers to check their purchases for safety. Look out for specific items with certain production and sell-by dates.

Affected Items

71 products from Boar’s Head and Old Country Brands are recalled. These include popular items like ham, turkey, and roast beef. Make sure to check your product labels to see if you own one of them.

Date Ranges to Check

These products were made between May 10 and July 29, 2023. They have “sell by” dates from July 29 to October 17, 2023. If your deli meat is within these dates, it might be part of the recall.

Verifying Your Purchase

To see if your Boar’s Head purchase is recalled:

  • Check the product label for production and sell-by dates
  • Look for the establishment number “EST. 21872” inside the USDA mark of inspection
  • Visit the USDA website to view images of recalled product labels
  • Compare your product’s packaging to the recalled items

If your deli meat matches the recall, don’t eat it. Follow the disposal guidelines for safety. Keeping up with food recalls helps protect your health and well-being.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria Contamination

Listeria contamination is a big health risk, often causing a serious foodborne illness called listeriosis. This infection is very dangerous for some people. This includes older adults, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.

Symptoms of listeriosis can show up within two weeks after eating contaminated food. These symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion

In serious cases, listeria can cause blood infections or meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the U.S. Sadly, around 260 of these cases end in death.

Statistic Value
Annual listeriosis cases 1,600
Annual deaths from listeriosis 260
Incubation period Up to 2 weeks

Food poisoning from listeria can be very serious. It’s important to know about outbreaks and take steps to protect yourself and your family from this harmful bacteria.

Boar’s Head’s Response and Actions

Boar’s Head brand quickly acted after a listeria outbreak. They showed they care about keeping customers safe and quality high.

Official Company Statement

Boar’s Head shared a heartfelt statement with deep sympathy for those affected. They talked about their focus on food safety and their efforts to keep quality high.

“We are deeply saddened by this situation and our thoughts are with those affected. Food safety is our top priority, and we are taking every measure to ensure the well-being of our customers.”

Voluntary Recall Initiation

When they found out about the possible contamination, Boar’s Head quickly started a voluntary recall. This move was to take potentially dangerous items off the shelves and out of homes.

Suspension of Operations

As a safety step, Boar’s Head stopped ready-to-eat operations at its Jarratt, Virginia facility. This shows they are serious about solving the problem.

Action Purpose Impact
Official Statement Address public concerns Transparency and accountability
Voluntary Recall Remove potentially contaminated products Reduced health risks for consumers
Facility Suspension Investigate and resolve issue Ensure future product safety

These steps show Boar’s Head’s commitment to keeping trust with consumers. They are serious about food safety in all their products.

Consumer Safety Measures and Recommendations

Due to recent food safety concerns, it’s vital to act fast to keep your health safe. This guide will show you how to avoid foodborne illness risks.

Proper Disposal of Recalled Products

If you bought any recalled items, here’s what to do:

  • Check your fridge for the recalled products
  • Don’t eat the recalled items
  • Take unopened products back to the store for a refund
  • Throw away opened products in a sealed trash bag

Cleaning and Sanitizing Refrigerators

Since Listeria likes cold places, cleaning your fridge well is key:

  1. Take everything out of your fridge
  2. Wash parts you can remove with hot, soapy water
  3. Use a mix of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water to clean surfaces
  4. Let everything dry before putting things back

Monitoring for Symptoms

Watch out for signs of Listeria infection, like:

Common Symptoms Severe Symptoms
Fever Stiff neck
Muscle aches Confusion
Nausea Loss of balance
Diarrhea Convulsions

If you have these symptoms after eating possibly contaminated food, get medical help right away. By following these steps, you can lower the risk of getting sick and keep your family safe.

Ongoing Investigation by Health Authorities

The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat has started a big investigation. Health experts are working hard to keep food safe and stop more people from getting sick. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is leading the effort. They are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health teams.

  • Tracing the source of contamination
  • Identifying all affected products
  • Assessing the effectiveness of current food safety protocols
  • Implementing measures to prevent future outbreaks

Experts are carefully checking production sites, supply chains, and how products move to stores. This helps find where the listeria came from. It also aims to make food safer for everyone.

The investigation isn’t just about Boar’s Head. It’s looking at other deli meat makers too. This wide approach makes sure we don’t miss anything in our fight against foodborne illnesses.

“Our top priority is keeping consumers safe from foodborne illnesses. We’re not leaving any stone unturned in our investigation,” said a FSIS spokesperson.

As the investigation goes on, it’s important for people to keep up with product recalls and follow food safety tips. The hard work of health experts shows how crucial it is to be careful and stop listeria outbreaks in our food.

Investigation Focus Lead Agency Key Objectives
Contamination Source FSIS Identify origin of listeria
Outbreak Scope CDC Determine affected population
Prevention Measures State Health Departments Implement new safety protocols

Understanding Listeria: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks

Listeria is a serious illness that can cause severe health problems. It comes from contaminated foods. Knowing where it comes from and the risks is key.

Common Sources of Listeria

Many foods can carry Listeria bacteria. Deli meats and unpasteurized dairy are common sources. Raw sprouts, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood are also risky.

Knowing these foods can help prevent getting sick.

Typical Symptoms and Incubation Period

Symptoms of Listeria can start within two weeks after eating contaminated food. You might feel feverish, have muscle pain, and stomach issues. In bad cases, it can affect the nervous system, causing headaches and stiff neck.

Seeing a doctor quickly is important if you think you have a listeria outbreak.

High-Risk Groups

Some people are more at risk for Listeria. Older adults, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant women are at higher risk. For them, Listeria can be very dangerous.

It’s the third leading cause of foodborne illness death in the U.S. This shows how important food safety is.

FAQ

What products are affected by the Boar’s Head recall?

Over 207,000 pounds of deli meat, like liverwurst and ham, were first recalled. Now, 71 products with 7 million pounds more are affected. These items are under the Boar’s Head and Old Country Brand names.

How many people have been sickened by the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products?

So far, 34 people in 13 states got sick. This includes 33 hospitalizations and two deaths in Illinois and New Jersey.

What is the timeline of the listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head products?

The products were made between May 10 and July 29. They have “sell by” dates from July 29 to October 17, 2023. Health officials are still looking into the outbreak.

How can consumers identify if their purchase is included in the recall?

Check the product labels for inclusion in the recall. You can also look on the USDA website. The recall covers products with certain production and “sell by” dates.

What are the symptoms of listeria infection?

Symptoms start within two weeks after eating contaminated food. They include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, stiff neck, and confusion. In serious cases, it can cause blood infections or meningitis.

What actions has Boar’s Head taken in response to the outbreak?

Boar’s Head has expressed sympathy for the affected families. They issued a voluntary recall after linking their Strassburger Brand Liverwurst to the outbreak. They’ve also stopped ready-to-eat operations at their Jarratt, Virginia facility until further notice.

What should consumers do if they have purchased recalled Boar’s Head products?

If you bought recalled products, either throw them away or return them to the store. Make sure to clean and sanitize your fridge well. Watch for symptoms and see a doctor if you need to.

Who is investigating the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products?

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health partners are leading the investigation into the listeria outbreak.

What groups are at higher risk for severe illness from listeria infection?

Older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women are at higher risk for severe listeria infection.

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Last modified: January 4, 2025

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