It might be wise to avoid these products.
The death toll linked to listeria contamination from Boar’s Head deli meats has increased to nine, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting six additional fatalities on Wednesday. The outbreak has affected individuals in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The CDC has noted that the number of reported illnesses related to the tainted products has risen to 57, all of whom have been hospitalized. This outbreak is now the largest listeria incident in the U.S. since the cantaloupe outbreak in 2011.
There is concern that some of the contaminated products might still be in consumers’ homes, as the affected items had expiration dates extending into October. The CDC advises checking for recalled Boar’s Head products by looking for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the labels.
The recall, initially issued on July 30, was expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of deli meats due to potential listeria contamination. This recall affects products from Boar’s Head and Old Country brands, produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia facility.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) records reveal numerous issues at the Jarratt plant over the past year, including mold, mildew, and pest infestations. There were also reports of inadequate sanitation practices and contamination risks, such as pooling water and unpleasant odors.
Boar’s Head has expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that food safety is their top priority and that they address any concerns raised by USDA inspectors promptly.
Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC advises those at higher risk to avoid eating deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
The expanded recall now encompasses 71 products made between May 10 and July 29. Affected items include liverwurst, ham, beef salami, bologna, and other deli meats. Consumers who have these products should discard them or return them to the point of purchase and thoroughly clean their refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination.
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