Listeria in deli meat: CDC issues urgent warning after recall update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new warning to certain groups to not eat any recently purchased deli meat, due to a recent listeria outbreak.

The latest alert follows a mass recall initiated after the multi-state breakout of Listeria monocytogenes—a bacterium that can cause food poisoning—which the CDC and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are investigating. Testing found that one of Boar's Head Provisions' liverwurst products contained the bacterium, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses.

"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," the CDC said in an update issued on July 31.

The government agency is now advising 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."

Boar's Head originally initiated a voluntary recall of its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst and nine additional products on July 25 after testing confirmed the liverwurst had been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The firm is now recalling an additional 7 million pounds of deli and poultry items.