CDC Outbreak Notice - Listeria in Unidentified Deli Meat Linked to 10 Cases of Listeria with One Death

The CDC issues a notification of an ongoing outbreak of Listeria that has been linked to Italian style deli meat.  "As of October 22, 2020, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states", Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, with those cases occurring from August thru October.  Deli meat were reported as both pre-packaged and deli-sliced.

CDC Outbreak Notice
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeat-10-20/index.html
Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Deli Meats
Posted October 23, 2020 at 4:45 PM ET

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 10
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1

Latest Outbreak Information

• 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.
• All 10 ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Florida.
• Epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is a likely source of this outbreak.
• In interviews with 9 ill people, all reported eating Italian-style meats, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. They reported purchasing prepackaged deli meats and meats sliced at deli counters at various locations.
• A specific type of deli meat and common supplier have not yet been identified.

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

How Clean is Your Deli's Meat Slicer?

A study published in MMWR shows that many deli operations may not be cleaning their slicer often enough and well enough.  In this study, about half of the food operations contacted did not fully clean the slicer as frequently as they should.   They noted that this is more the case at independent and smaller delis.  Fully clean includes disassembly of the slicer before cleaning

The issue with not cleaning the slicer is that the slicer can be a point of cross contamination for Listeria monocytogenes.   If Listeria contaminates the slicer, it can then contaminate all the meats that are sliced after that.  According to the US Food Code, food contact surfaces in constant use should be fully cleaned at least every 4 hours.  As the time between cleaning increases, the more opportunity Listeria has to grow.

Cleaning must include disassembly.  If a slicer is just wiped down, Listeria can be present in the areas that were not cleaned, such as under the guard or down around the motor (where there may be higher temperatures).   Never getting to spots on the slicer where foods particles build-up could mean that the slicer itself becomes a source for Listeria in that operation, not just a point of cross contact.  It is important for establishment personnel to evaluate slicers to make sure there are no niches for food build-up.

Even is a slice is cleaned successfully, it is important that operators recognize that the slicer is not the ultimate source, but still can be a point of cross contamination.  Important sources include:

• Deli cases - deli cases must be cleaned and properly maintained.
• Walk-in-coolers - also must be cleaned and properly maintained.
• Deli working environment - build-up of meat in the environment can result in high levels of Listeria in the operations, which increases the chance it can make its way to food contact surfaces including the slicer.
• Floor drains
• Sinks and wash areas

As a consumer, it is important to evaluate where you buy your deli products.  If a deli appears nasty, time to find a new deli.  Don't be afraid to ask about cleaning schedule.  If still concerned, buy your deli meat early in the day when the slicer is most likely to be the cleanest.
 

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6512a2.htm?s_cid=mm6512a2_e

Retail Deli Slicer Cleaning Frequency — Six Selected Sites, United States, 2012

Weekly / April 1, 2016 / 65(12);306–310