Electron microscope image of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which has been linked to an outbreak spread through processed meats. Boar’s Head recalled meat Friday after two deaths and 33 hospitalizations linked to Listeria.
Elizabeth White/AP/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Elizabeth White/AP/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Boar’s Head is recalling more than 200,000 pounds of deli meat that may be contaminated with listeria, the Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Friday.
The recall affects all Liverwurst brand products, as well as a variety of other meats mentioned in the FSIS announcement. The CDC has identified 34 cases of Listeria in deli meats in 13 states, including two people who died Thursday. The release also said there have been 33 hospitalizations.
The CDC warns that the number of infections is likely higher because some people are not being tested. It can also take three to four weeks for a sick individual to be linked to an outbreak.
Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that affects about 1,600 people in the United States each year, including 260 deaths. Although it can cause serious complications in those at risk, most recover with antibiotics. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, and drowsiness.
The CDC says people who are pregnant, 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems are most at risk. They suggest that those at risk heat any deli meat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
The CDC and FSIS investigation is ongoing. This is not the first listeriosis outbreak this summer, as more than 60 ice cream products were previously recalled during an outbreak in June.
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