One More Life Lost Due To Contaminated Meats

This needs to be solved immediately.

A recent listeria outbreak linked to contaminated deli meats from Boar’s Head has resulted in an additional death, bringing the total fatalities to ten. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 59 individuals have been hospitalized after consuming these products, with one case involving a pregnant woman who recovered but remained pregnant. The source of the outbreak has been traced to Boar’s Head’s manufacturing facility in Jarratt, Virginia, which has since been closed indefinitely.

Boar’s Head announced on September 13 that it identified the contamination’s root cause as a specific production process unique to liverwurst. As a result, the company has decided to permanently discontinue this product. The current outbreak is now recognized as the largest listeria incident in the U.S. since a similar one involving contaminated cantaloupes in 2011. The CDC has expanded its recall to cover 71 products made under both the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, with some items still potentially available in homes due to their extended shelf life.

The CDC has advised consumers to check for recalled products labeled with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612,” as these could still be present in households. The Jarratt plant has faced numerous citations from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) over the past two years for failing to maintain sanitary conditions, which contributed to the outbreak. FSIS records indicate multiple instances of noncompliance, including mold, mildew, and insect infestations found throughout the facility.

In response to the outbreak and ongoing inspections, Boar’s Head has pledged to improve its food safety measures. The company plans to hire a Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer and establish a Food Safety Council comprising independent experts to enhance its food safety protocols. The CDC emphasizes that listeria poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. To mitigate these risks, the CDC recommends that at-risk groups avoid deli meats or ensure they are heated to safe temperatures before consumption.