A deadly food poisoning outbreak has resulted in the recall of more than 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats produced at a plant in Virginia. The outbreak, caused by the bacteria listeria, began in May and has led to two deaths and nearly three dozen hospitalizations in 13 states. Listeria is a resilient bacteria that can survive and grow even during refrigeration.
Listeria can get into deli meat through contamination in processing plants, transportation, or storage. Many of those affected reported eating meats sliced at grocery store deli counters. Symptoms of listeria poisoning include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with more serious symptoms including headache, confusion, and convulsions. Vulnerable populations include young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
While cooking can kill listeria, most deli meats are consumed cold. It is important to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled products. The recalled meats, including liverwurst, ham, salami, and bologna, were distributed nationwide and to other countries.
Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled meats and to either discard them or return them to the store for a refund. The meats carry the plant number EST.12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark on the label. This outbreak underscores the importance of proper food handling and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
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