CDC Asks People To Heat Counter-Prepared Deli Meats As They Trace A Listeria Outbreak

The CDC is investigating a serious listeria outbreak connected to counter-prepared deli meats.

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The Centers for Disease Control is working on a recall after receiving reports of two fatalities and dozens of hospitalizations that were linked to the meats. The organization is currently investigating the outbreak and will issue a formal recall once it can trace the source of the illness.

According to CNN, consumers in New York, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have fallen ill. The CDC interviewed 18 people affected, and 16 of them said they ate turkey, liverwurst, or ham within the last month. DNA tests show the strain of Listeria was genetically similar, meaning they likely caught it from the same source. No one has fallen ill after eating pre-packaged meats.

While the CDC continues its investigation, it asks people who bought meats from deli counters to cook the food before eating. Heating to 165 F will kill the bacteria. People should also be careful to clean countertops throughout after preparing the meat.

This story’s featured image is by RFondren Photography via Shutterstock.