Boar’s Head has issued an expanded recall of approximately 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products in response to an ongoing Listeria outbreak, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported on Wednesday.
Initially, the recall involved over 200,000 pounds of deli-sliced meat following a positive Listeria monocytogenes test from a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health. This bacteria can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection.
The newly expanded recall affects 71 different products manufactured between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands. These products, primarily intended for slicing at retail delis, were also available as pre-packaged meats and poultry in some locations.
The recalled items carry “sell-by” dates from July 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024, and were sold at stores across the U.S. and also exported to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. All affected products are marked with establishment numbers EST. 12612 or P-12612 within the USDA inspection mark.
Despite the recall, health officials are still investigating whether Boar’s Head products are linked to the current outbreak, which has infected 34 people, 33 of whom were hospitalized and two of whom have died.
Infected individuals reported consuming deli meats sliced at grocery stores. Cases have been reported in several states, including Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Recalled Products List
- The expanded recall includes 71 products, such as:
- Boar’s Head Virginia Ham
- Boar’s Head Olive Loaf
- Boar’s Head Beef Bologna
- Boar’s Head Canadian Style Bacon
- Boar’s Head Beef Salami
- Old Country Gourmet Pepper Ham
- Old Country Black Forest Ham
- Boar’s Head Kielbasa
- Boar’s Head Andouille Chicken Sausage
For a comprehensive list of all recalled products and their labels, visit the USDA’s website.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Products
The FSIS advises consumers not to eat any recalled products. If you have these items at home, dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase. Additionally, clean your refrigerator and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
Listeria infections can be particularly severe for pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, causing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, loss of balance, fatigue, headache, confusion, and seizures.
For more information about the recall, contact Boar’s Head customer service at 1-800-352-6277. If you experience symptoms or believe you may have been exposed, consult a healthcare provider. The FSIS, CDC, and other health authorities continue to investigate the outbreak.
