Deli meat company Boar’s Head is recalling 7 million pounds of product following a deadly listeria outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said. said Tuesday.
This week’s announcement follows an earlier recall after two people died and more than 30 became ill.
Here’s what you should know about the recall:
What is being remembered?
The USDA said Tuesday that the company is expanding its recall because its products may be affected by Listeria monocytogenes.
The new recall includes 71 Boar’s Head and Old Country products produced between May 10 and July 29 at its Jarratt, Virginia facility.
Follow a previous recall of over 200,000 pounds of meat. In an online statement, the company said it was removing everything from the Jarratt facility “out of an abundance of caution.”
“We have also decided to cease prepared food operations at this facility until further notice. As a company that prioritizes safety and quality, we believe it is the right thing to do,” said Boar’s Head in a notice on your website.
Products include some packaged meat and poultry products sold in retail stores, as well as meat intended for cutting in delis.
The meats have expiration dates ranging from July 29 to October 17, 2024, the USDA said.
The products were distributed to stores across the country and exported to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama.
Why are you being remembered?
The Maryland Department of Health has found a sample of liverwurst for the first time that tested positive for listeria. Further testing found a product from a retail store that tested positive for the outbreak strain.
As of July 30, 34 people have been identified as sickened by deli meat in 13 states. Thirty-three people were hospitalized and two people died due to the outbreak.
What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a serious infection that mainly affects people who are pregnant, over 65 or have a weakened immune system. It is less common for people outside of these groups to be affected by the disease, the USDA said.
It can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures that are “sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.”
Pregnant people could experience miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth, or a potentially fatal infection in the newborn, the USDA said.
Elderly people or people with weak immune systems can develop serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
People may experience flu-like symptoms two months after eating contaminated food. Those who experience symptoms should seek medical attention and speak with a healthcare professional if they have eaten deli meat, according to the USDA.
What is being done?
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health organizations to investigate the multistate outbreak.
The investigation is ongoing, the USDA said.
The agency recommended that anyone concerned about the illness contact a healthcare professional.
The CDC’s food safety alert for the outbreak stay updated with the latest information about the investigation.
The deli company said the health and well-being of its consumers is paramount.
“There are no words that can fully express our solidarity and the sincere and deep pain we feel for the families who have suffered losses and for others who have suffered illnesses,” the company said in a statement. “You have our commitment that we are dedicated to ensuring that all Boar’s Head products consistently meet the high standards of quality and safety that you deserve and expect.”
What should consumers and retailers do?
The USDA said it is concerned that the products may still be in consumers’ refrigerators at home and in retail cases.
People who have purchased Boar’s Head deli meat should not consume it, and retailers should not sell it if the meat is within the affected expiration dates.
Impacted products must be discarded or returned to the retailer where they were purchased.
The USDA also recommends that consumers clean their refrigerators “thoroughly to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.” Retail delis must also clean and sanitize food and surfaces and discard open meats and cheeses in the deli.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
