CNN
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reminding the public to avoid consuming recalled cold cuts due to the largest listeria outbreak in the United States since 2011.
Boar’s Head recalled more than 3.2 million kilograms of its ready-to-eat liver sausage and other sausage products in late July due to concerns about possible contamination with listeria. However, according to the CDC, at least a dozen more cases of listeriosis have been reported in recent weeks.
In total, 57 people were hospitalized in 18 states and nine people died. According to the CDC, this is the largest listeria outbreak since the 2011 outbreak that was linked to cantaloupe melons.
The agency has said the true number of cases is likely higher than reported because some people may have had milder cases and therefore were not tested for listeria. There is also a time lag between the onset of an illness and the time when scientists can link it to an ongoing investigation.
The CDC advises consumers to check their kitchens for remaining recalled products, as they may have a long shelf life. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” within the USDA inspection mark on labels. Some of the products have a best-before date of October 2024.
The recalled products include liverwurst, ham, mortadella, sausage and fried bacon. Most of those who became ill reported eating turkey or liverwurst, and some reported eating ham.
However, Boar’s Head states that products currently available at deli counters are not affected by the recall.
Listeria bacteria are resilient and can cling to surfaces like countertops and meat slicers, so you don’t even have to eat a contaminated product to get sick. According to the CDC, they can spread easily in delis by transferring from equipment to surfaces and then to hands and food. Refrigeration doesn’t kill the bacteria, but heat does.
Pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with weakened immune systems are advised to avoid eating deli meats unless they have been heated to the point of steaming or reaching an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F).
If you have eaten cold cuts at home, clean the refrigerator and any containers or surfaces that may have come into contact with them, and watch for symptoms of listeriosis, which can take up to 10 weeks to develop.
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Listeria bacteria cause listeriosis, the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. An infection may also cause a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or seizures.
Anyone who develops symptoms of listeriosis should seek medical attention immediately.
The outbreak has spanned several months, according to the CDC, with the first person becoming ill in late May. The investigation is ongoing.
The CDC recommends that people who become ill with listeria work with local health authorities, who may contact them to find out what the person has eaten in the past month and ask for receipts or leftover food to determine the cause of the outbreak.
