Boars Head deli meat implicated in outbreak of Listeria infections; recall initiated

The CDC is reporting a link between an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections and Boars Head brand deli meat.

The outbreak has sickened 34 people across 13 states. All but one of the patients have been admitted to hospitals. Two patients have died, one from Illinois and one from New Jersey, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the 24 patients with the information available, 23 reported eating deli meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating sliced liverwurst and seven of those specifically remembered eating Boars Head brand.

The Maryland Department of Health tested an unopened package of Boars Head brand liverwurst and it was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Investigators are continuing to work to determine whether other deli meats are implicated.

Even if patients did not eat Boars Head liverwurst they could have become ill because the meat could have been cross contaminated by food contact surfaces and slicing equipment.

Earlier today Boars Head issued a recall of a variety of liverwurst products as well as other deli meats because of “possible contamination” with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects more than 200,000 pounds of meat.

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11 and July 17 and have a 44-day shelf life.