Boar’s Head Recalls Liverwurst Linked to Listeria Outbreak

Key Takeaways

• Boar’s Head liverwurst, along with certain lots of other products, are part of a recall due to potential links to an ongoing listeria outbreak

• Approximately 208,000 pounds of the recalled products were distributed nationwide

• The outbreak has resulted in 33 hospitalizations and deaths so far

FRIDAY, July 26, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Boar’s Head has announced a recall of all its liverwurst products due to potential contamination with dangerous Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

“The company is also recalling additional deli meat products produced on the same line and day as the liverwurst, which may also be contaminated with L. monocytogenes,” according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

Overall, FSIS noted that Boar’s Head is recalling around 207,528 pounds of products.

This recall is a part of an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak associated with deli meats, which was initially reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last Friday.

At that time, the source of the outbreak was unknown.

The outbreak is significant, with FSIS reporting that “as of July 25, 2024, 34 individuals have fallen ill in 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths.”

Testing conducted in Maryland initially identified a sample of Boar’s Head product contaminated with listeria.

In addition to the liverwurst products, other Boar’s Head meats included in the recall are certain lots of Virginia Ham/Old Fashioned Ham, Italian Cappy Style Ham, various types of Bologna, Beef Salami, among others.

For a complete list of recalled meats and product photos, click here.

“The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a 44-day shelf life,” FSIS stated. These products were shipped to retailers nationwide.        

If you have any of the recalled products in your possession, dispose of them without consuming or return them to the place of purchase.

“Consumers who have bought these products are advised to thoroughly clean refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination,” FSIS recommended.

Deli owners with the products “should clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli,” the agency added.

Listeria bacteria can lead to listeriosis, the third-leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the United States. Symptoms typically include a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Infection may also lead to a headache, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures. Pregnant women may experience pregnancy loss or premature birth.

More information

Learn more about listeriosis at the CDC.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), news release, July 26, 2024

What This Means For You

Boar’s Head liverwurst and certain other products are being recalled due to potential links to an ongoing listeria outbreak associated with deli meats.