The CDC has released an updated Food Safety Alert concerning a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. As of the latest report, 14 additional illnesses have been documented, raising the total number of cases to 57. All individuals affected have been hospitalized, and the death toll has risen to 9, with the most recent fatalities occurring in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, New York, and South Carolina.
This outbreak marks the largest instance of listeriosis since the 2011 outbreak associated with cantaloupe. Consumers are advised to inspect their homes for any remaining Boar’s Head products that may be recalled, as these items can have a long shelf life. Labels may have “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” within the USDA inspection mark, and some items are marked with sell-by dates extending into October 2024.
Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can persist on surfaces such as meat slicers and other foods, even when refrigerated. Symptoms of listeriosis can take up to 10 weeks to appear in some individuals.
In response to this outbreak, the CDC advises individuals not to consume any recalled deli products and to dispose of them properly or return them to the place of purchase. High-risk groups, including pregnant individuals, seniors aged 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems, should refrain from consuming meats from deli counters unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before serving.
Additionally, it is recommended to thoroughly clean refrigerators, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats. Those experiencing symptoms of Listeria after eating deli meats should consult their healthcare provider.
Businesses that have received the recalled meats are urged to take rigorous cleaning and sanitizing measures, and to dispose of any opened sliced meats and cheeses. These establishments should also adhere to USDA guidelines for preventing Listeria contamination in deli environments.
Listeria can lead to severe illness, known as invasive listeriosis, when it spreads beyond the gut to other body parts. Pregnant individuals may only show mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but infections during pregnancy pose serious risks, including miscarriage and life-threatening conditions for newborns.
Non-pregnant individuals may experience more severe symptoms, including headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, along with fever and muscle aches. Severe symptoms may arise within 1 to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food, although they can begin as soon as the same day or as late as 70 days afterward.
For further inquiries regarding specific cases in different states, individuals should contact their state health department.