Boar’s Head recalls 7 million pounds of deli meat due to Listeria outbreak

Boar's Head recalls 7 million pounds of deli meat due to Listeria outbreak

Our beloved deli meats are in hot water… or rather, in need of some serious heat treatment. Boar’s Head, the go-to brand for many a sandwich connoisseur, has found itself in a pickle that’s anything but appetizing. We’re talking about a massive recall that’s got us all checking our fridges and maybe reconsidering that cold cut platter. But before you toss out your entire refrigerator contents, let’s slice into the meaty details of this outbreak that’s bringing home the bacon – in all the wrong ways.

The Recall: A Numbers Game

Boar’s Head has expanded its recall to include a whopping 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat deli and poultry products. This recall stems from a listeria outbreak that has affected 13 states, resulting in 34 illnesses, 33 hospitalizations, and tragically, 2 deaths. The scale of this recall is not just a number; it’s a stark reminder of the importance of food safety in our daily lives.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to immediately and voluntarily expand our recall to include all items produced at the Jarratt facility” – Boar’s Head

The recall includes 71 products produced between May 10 and July 29, with “sell by” dates ranging from July 29 to October 17. These products were distributed not just nationwide but also internationally, reaching the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.

The Culprit: Listeria Monocytogenes

The recall was initiated after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria. This discovery led to Boar’s Head pausing ready-to-eat operations at its Jarratt, Virginia facility. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and young children.

“Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that listeriosis affects about 1,600 people annually in the U.S., resulting in approximately 260 deaths. These numbers underscore the seriousness of this outbreak and the importance of swift action.

Consumer Action and Company Response

Consumers are advised to either discard or return recalled products and thoroughly clean their refrigerators to prevent contamination. Boar’s Head has responded to the crisis with a commitment to safety and transparency.

“No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for the families that have suffered losses and others who endured illness” – Boar’s Head

“We have also decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility until further notice. As a company that prioritizes safety and quality, we believe it is the right thing to do” – Boar’s Head

These statements reflect the company’s acknowledgment of the severity of the situation and its commitment to addressing the issue.

The Investigation Continues

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), CDC, and state public health partners are actively investigating the outbreak. Their findings will be crucial in preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of our food supply.

“Listeria can survive and grow in food even when it’s refrigerated, but the bacteria can be killed by heating foods to ‘steaming hot,’ or 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices, both at the industrial level and in our own kitchens. As we await further updates, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones from foodborne illnesses.

Sources

  1. Boar’s Head recalls 7 million pounds of deli meat linked to deadly Listeria outbreak
  1. Boar’s Head expands recall to include 7 million more pounds of deli meats tied to listeria outbreak
  1. Boar’s Head recall expands to include 7 million pounds of deli meat over listeria concerns
  2. Boar’s Head recalls more than 7 million pounds of deli meats in relation to deadly outbreak
  1. Boar’s Head Expands Recall to 71 Deli Meat Products After Deadly Listeria Outbreak