Expansion of Boar’s Head recall now includes 7 million pounds of deli meat due to listeria concerns.

A recall of Boar’s Head products has been expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of deli and poultry items due to a deadly multistate outbreak of listeria infections. This outbreak has led to 34 reported cases across 13 states, with 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. The recalled products, produced between May and July, include various meat intended for slicing at delis as well as packaged meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head and Old Country Brand names. The initial recall was prompted by a positive test for listeria in a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health. The recall has since been expanded due to the link to a national outbreak strain of listeria. Boar’s Head has decided to halt ready-to-eat operations at its Jarratt, Virginia facility as a precaution. Consumers are advised to throw away or return the recalled products and clean out their refrigerators as listeria bacteria can spread to other foods. Listeria infection is a foodborne illness typically caused by consuming contaminated deli meats or unpasteurized milk products. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, and in severe cases, may lead to a blood infection or meningitis. The CDC estimates around 1,600 cases of listeriosis occur annually in the US, with about 260 resulting in death. An investigation by the FSIS, CDC, and state health partners is ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further illnesses.

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