WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Boar's Head is recalling more than 200,000 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat that could be contaminated with listeria, the United States Department of Agriculture said. Government agencies are working to see if the meat is connected to a deadly, multi-state listeria outbreak.
The nationwide recall involves all liverwurst products currently being sold in stores. Additionally, several other kinds of deli meats produced on the same line and during the same day have been recalled as a precaution.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said it was notified about the possible contamination after a meat sample taken by the Maryland Department of Health was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The samples were taken from unopened liverwurst products at a Baltimore-area store during tests relating to a listeria outbreak investigation.
The FSIS says further testing is underway to determine if the tested liverwurst is part of the listeria outbreak. The FSIS said it's working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments to find the cause of a multi-state
In total, Boar's Head said it is recalling about 207,528 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat, according to the FSIS.
List of recalled Boar's Head deli meat
The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were made between June 11 and July 17, and have a 44-day self life.
- 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.
The other ready-to-eat deli products that were recalled were made on June 27. The following products have been recalled:
- 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell-by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
- 3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
What to do if you have recalled deli meat
If you have one of the above-recalled deli meat products, the FSIS advises not to eat it. Stores are also being urged to not sell the recalled products in stores.
People should either throw away the recalled products or return them to the store.
Additionally, if you had the recalled meat, you're also urged to clean out your refrigerator thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination risks.
Listeria outbreak linked to contaminated deli meat
According to the FSIS, at least 34 people are confirmed to have listeria across 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. More information about the CDC's investigation can be found here.
"Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems," the FSIS said in a news release. "Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected."