Eight Dead, Dozens Sickened in Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

ATLANTA , GA - At least eight people have died after contracting listeria from Boar’s Head deli meats tied to a massive recall last month, federal health officials announced Wednesday.

The outbreak, which has sickened and hospitalized at least 57 people, is the largest listeria outbreak in the U.S. since 2011, information stated. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed two deaths in South Carolina and one each in Florida, New Mexico, and Tennessee, in addition to three previously reported deaths in Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. Illnesses were first reported in late May and have continued into August.

Boar’s Head initiated a recall of more than 7 million pounds of deli products after health officials in Maryland discovered a liverwurst sample that tested positive for listeria. Further testing revealed that the bacteria strain was the same one causing illnesses in the outbreak.

Initially, Boar’s Head recalled liverwurst and other deli products with sell-by dates from July 25 to August 30. The recall was expanded on July 29 to include all products made at the company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The recalled products included those sliced at deli counters as well as prepackaged retail sausage, frankfurters, and bacon. These products were distributed nationwide and to the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.

All recalled deli meats have been removed from stores, Boar’s Head officials stated on the company’s website. However, CDC officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled products, identified by EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on the labels. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled items and thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces they may have touched.

Listeria is a hardy bacteria that can thrive in refrigeration and poses a significant risk, particularly to older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Infections can be difficult to trace due to the variable onset of symptoms, which may appear within hours or up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.