TAMPA, Fla. — There are increased reports of illness and death in a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats as newly released records show the meat plant reportedly violated federal regulations.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 57 people hospitalized and nine deaths from the multistate outbreak that has been linked to Boar's Head products. The six new deaths include one from Florida, according to a news release.
Newly released records obtained by the Associated Press through federal Freedom of Information Act requests said officials logged 69 instances of "noncompliance" with federal rules at the Boar's Head meat plant in Virginia this past year.
In the first two days of August, U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel found instances of mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment, according to records.
Reports of sickness have spanned 18 states with the most people infected living in New York. Three people have been reported sick in Florida, according to a map from the CDC.
The outbreak started when a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria and has led to the recall of more than 7 million pounds of popular deli meats.
RELATED: Here's what to know about recalled Boar's Head deli meats linked to a deadly listeria outbreak
What is listeria?
Listeria is a foodborne bacteria that can infect people when eaten. It mostly affects people who are pregnant and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older and people with weaker immune systems.
Symptoms depend on the person and what kind of infection it is but can include fever and flu-like symptoms, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.
The bacteria thrive in moist environments, including soil, water and decaying vegetation and are carried by some animals. They are typically spread when food is harvested, processed, transported or stored in contaminated places.
Florida's connection to Boar's Head
The company has been based in Sarasota since 2001 with its headquarters on Main Street. The company was founded in Brooklyn, New York and distributes its products throughout the United States.
Boar's Head was originally located at the Sarasota Quay but moved to Sarasota City Center in 2005, where it has been located ever since.
Publix has an exclusive agreement with the company in Florida where it only sells Boar's Head in addition to its house brand lunch meat from its delis, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
How to avoid getting sick
The CDC is advising people to throw away or return recalled deli products. They also advise people to clean their fridges, containers and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats. People experiencing symptoms who recently ate deli meats should call their healthcare provider.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.