CDC Warning: Listeria Found in Boar’s Head Deli Meat, 57 Hospitalized

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Written By Richard Perdomo

Health officials have confirmed that Boar’s Head deli meat, sold at stores like Target and Dillons, was contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. The meat was recalled, and stores that sold it were told to clean and sanitize their deli areas to prevent further spread.

A list from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows the stores that may have stocked the recalled meat. This includes Target and Dillons in Kansas. You can find the full list at the bottom of the page.

The recalled products include:

  • Boar’s Head deli meat produced between June 11 and July 17, with a 44-day shelf life.
  • Strassburger brand liverwurst.
  • 3 ½-pound loaves in plastic or deli-sliced packages.
  • Boar’s Head products with “sell by” dates between July 25, 2024, and August 30, 2024.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled meat. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the label to identify the affected products.

If you have the recalled meat at home, the CDC recommends throwing it away or returning it to the store. Customers can also contact the store for a refund.

The outbreak so far:

  • 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths across 18 states.
  • At least one lawsuit has been filed related to the outbreak.

Listeria symptoms:

Listeria infection can cause mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but can be more severe for some people. Serious symptoms include headache, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Symptoms can appear hours or even up to 70 days after eating contaminated food.

People at high risk, like the elderly or pregnant women, should heat deli meat to 165°F before eating to kill any bacteria.

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