CDC and USDA-FSIS have identified Boar's Head liverwurst as having the outbreak strain of Listeria that has resulted in 34 cases with 33 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. From the CDC, "As of July 26, 2024, a total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states (see map). Sick people’s samples were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024 (see timeline). Of 33 people with information available, all 33 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey."
Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.
Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
Posted July 31, 2024
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 34
Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 2
States: 13
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (First posted on July 19, 2024).
Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.
Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis
Posted July 31, 2024
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 34
Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 2
States: 13
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (First posted on July 19, 2024).
July 31, 2024
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Epidemiologic and laboratory data now show that meats sliced at deli counters, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria and are making people sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of July 26, 2024, a total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states (see map). Sick people’s samples were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024 (see timeline). Of 33 people with information available, all 33 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Epidemiologic and laboratory data now show that meats sliced at deli counters, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria and are making people sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of July 26, 2024, a total of 34 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states (see map). Sick people’s samples were collected from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024 (see timeline). Of 33 people with information available, all 33 have been hospitalized. One person got sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Two deaths have been reported, 1 in Illinois and 1 in New Jersey.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic)
Demographics InformationTable of demographic information (n is the number of people with information available)
Age (n=34) Range from 32 to 94 years Median age of 74
Sex (n=34) 44% female 56% male
Race (n=31) 78% White 19% African American/Black 3% Asian
Ethnicity (n=29) 97% non-Hispanic 3% Hispanic
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. People are reporting eating a variety of meats sliced at deli counters. Of the 24 people able to be interviewed, 23 (96%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli. Of the 23 people who answered if they ate liverwurst, 13 (57%) reported deli-sliced liverwurst before getting sick, and seven reported Boar’s Head brand. These deli meats were sliced at a variety of supermarket and grocery store delis.
CDC conducted an analysis comparing foods reported by people in this outbreak to foods reported by people who got sick with Listeria but were not part of an outbreak. The analysis showed that people in this outbreak were significantly more likely to eat liverwurst. This information suggests that liverwurst is a likely source of this outbreak. CDC continues to gather information to understand which deli meats are causing illness in this outbreak.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
The Maryland Department of Health and Baltimore City Health Department collected an unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product from a retail store and identified Listeria monocytogenes. WGS determined it is the same strain as the strain making people sick in this outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic)
Demographics InformationTable of demographic information (n is the number of people with information available)
Age (n=34) Range from 32 to 94 years Median age of 74
Sex (n=34) 44% female 56% male
Race (n=31) 78% White 19% African American/Black 3% Asian
Ethnicity (n=29) 97% non-Hispanic 3% Hispanic
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the month before they got sick. People are reporting eating a variety of meats sliced at deli counters. Of the 24 people able to be interviewed, 23 (96%) reported eating meats sliced at a deli. Of the 23 people who answered if they ate liverwurst, 13 (57%) reported deli-sliced liverwurst before getting sick, and seven reported Boar’s Head brand. These deli meats were sliced at a variety of supermarket and grocery store delis.
CDC conducted an analysis comparing foods reported by people in this outbreak to foods reported by people who got sick with Listeria but were not part of an outbreak. The analysis showed that people in this outbreak were significantly more likely to eat liverwurst. This information suggests that liverwurst is a likely source of this outbreak. CDC continues to gather information to understand which deli meats are causing illness in this outbreak.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
The Maryland Department of Health and Baltimore City Health Department collected an unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product from a retail store and identified Listeria monocytogenes. WGS determined it is the same strain as the strain making people sick in this outbreak.
USDA-FSIS conducted traceback of deli meats purchased by sick people in this outbreak to identify producers of interest for further investigation.
Public Health Actions
On July 30, Boar’s Head expanded their July 26 recall. Do not eat recalled deli meat products. CDC also advises people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system to avoid eating deli meats or to heat them before consuming.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due
Boar's Head Provisions Co. Expands Recall for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria ContaminationPublic Health Actions
On July 30, Boar’s Head expanded their July 26 recall. Do not eat recalled deli meat products. CDC also advises people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system to avoid eating deli meats or to heat them before consuming.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due
07/30/2024 - Current
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 – Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.
This expansion includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. These items include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations. These products have “sell by” dates ranging from 29-JUL-2024 through 17-OCT-24. View full product list. View labels.
The products subject to recall were distributed to retail locations nationwide and some were exported to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. The products shipped to retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing determined the product sample tested positive for the outbreak strain. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate the multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at delis. As of July 30, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024. The investigation is ongoing, and FSIS continues to work with the CDC and state partners. The CDC Food Safety Alert, Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis, will continue to be updated with the latest investigation details.
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators and in retail deli cases. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and retailers are urged not to sell these products with the referenced sell by dates. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
FSIS recommends retail delis clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli. Retailers may refer to FSIS’ guideline, Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens, for information on steps to prevent certain ready-to-eat foods that are prepared or sliced in retail delis and consumed in the home, such as deli meats and deli salads, from becoming contaminated with L. monocytogenes.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. Media with questions can contact Elizabeth Ward, Vice President of Communications, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., at media@boarshead.com.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
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