CDC: 10 Deaths Associated With US Listeria Outbreak
The CDC reports 59 listeriosis cases and 10 deaths across 19 states, urging vulnerable populations to avoid deli meats, especially Boar's Head liverwurst.
Image Credit: CDC
Updated Information:
As of September 25, 2024, there have been 59 reported cases of illness across 19 states, with two additional illnesses and one death reported since the last update in August. All affected individuals have been hospitalized, and there have been 10 reported deaths, with cases identified in states, including New Jersey, and New York. The honest number of sick individuals is likely higher, as some people may not seek medical care or get tested.1
Demographic data shows that the individuals affected range in age from 32 to 95, with a median age of 78. The group consists of 49% females and 51% males, predominantly 77% White, with 15% African American/Black, and small percentages of Asian and other races. In terms of ethnicity, 94% are non-Hispanic, while 6% are Hispanic. Among those interviewed, 94% reported consuming deli meats, and 59% specifically identified having eaten deli-sliced liverwurst, including 19 cases of Boar's Head brand.1
Past News
The CDC reported an update on the ongoing listeria outbreak in the US associated with the Boar’s Head deli meat, which has now risen to 9 deaths associated with the foodborne infection. In addition, there have been 14 new hospitalizations bringing the total number to 57, and 5 new states bringing the total number to 18 states being affected by it.2
Products Recalled
CDC says one of the products still being recalled is the Boar's Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products. The products being recalled has the following aspects:
- Produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf-life
- "Boar's Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia"
- 3.5 pound loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis
- Sell by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 20241
In addition, consumers should be aware of other Boar’s Head recalled deli products, including prepackaged deli products, in shelf life from this establishment. Consumers should look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.2
Contagion also did include information on other products in recent reporting and to find out more specific recalled products, check out the story here.
Boar’s Head Statement
In a letter dated August 15, the company offered further insights on the recall. “It's important to note that this recall only affects certain products sliced fresh from the deli counter, and a limited number of pre-packaged retail sausage, frankfurter, and bacon products produced at one plant. Most Boar’s Head products, which are produced at other plants, are not affected by the recall,” the company wrote on its site.3
On the page, Boar’s Head listed products that were not part of the recall.
What Businesses and Consumers Should Do
For businesses that sell the products, CDC recommends the following:
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces, including deli slicers.
- Throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli.
- USDA-FSIS is advising delis to not use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli meats and cheeses.
- Always follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.2
Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are advised not to eat them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. FSIS advises retail delis to thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any opened meats and cheeses. Retailers can consult FSIS's "Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens" for detailed steps to prevent contamination of ready-to-eat foods, such as deli meats and salads, that are prepared or sliced in-store and consumed at home. For more information, contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. at 1-800-352-6277, or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.4
The CDC emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring for additional cases of listeriosis and strongly advises against consuming recalled deli meats, some of which have sell-by dates extending to October 2024. Although illness reports are declining, the CDC will continue to collect data, as symptoms can take up to 10 weeks to appear. They recommend that pregnant individuals, those aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems either avoid deli meats altogether or ensure they are heated before consumption.1
References
