The expanded recall, which now includes approximately 7 million pounds of products, is due to an ongoing investigation linked to 43 reported illnesses, including 3 deaths.
3 of the 71 contaminated products.
Image credits: USDA
Since the last update on July 31, there have been 9 additional cases of illness, all patients are hospitalized, and another death has been reported. Boar's Head has expanded its recall from July 26 to include all deli products with the establishment number "EST. 12612" or "P-12612." The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found Listeria monocytogenes in unopened Boar's Head liverwurst, and the strain matches the one causing the outbreak.1
Boar's Head Provisions Co, Inc expanded its recall of deli meat products due to concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which is classified as a high class I issue, considered a serious health risk. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products are being recalled. As of July 30, 2024, just 34 people across 13 states have been affected, with 33 hospitalizations and 2 deaths reported.2
The recall includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands. These products, which include both meats for slicing and packaged items, have “sell by” dates ranging from July 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024. The affected items were distributed nationwide and exported to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Recalled products bear “EST 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Many types and sizes were recalled with sell-by dates of August 10 or August 15.2
Listeria in healthy people may have short-term symptoms such as a fever, headache, stiffness, and gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea. However, in children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems, this foodborne infection can be more severe and could be fatal in some cases. The infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. Anyone suffering from these symptoms after eating these products should contact a healthcare provider.3
In terms of treatment, for those with mild symptoms, no treatment is required, but severe infections can be treated with antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, during pregnancy, prompt antibiotic treatment might help keep the infection from affecting the baby, Mayo writes on its site.3
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.2
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.
