Check Your Fridge: Deli Meat Recall Still Causing Illness Nationwide

In July, the popular brand Boar’s Head issued a recall on many of their products. At first, it was reported that 34 people had gotten sick across 13 states. There were also two fatalities. But now, this deli meat recall is expanding, and there are more reports of illness in additional states. As of now, 57 people across 18 states have been affected. All of them have been hospitalized, and six new deaths have been reported.

This growing listeriosis outbreak is officially the worst the U.S. has seen since a cantaloupe recall in 2011. Thanks to an ongoing investigation, we are learning more about the cause of this deadly outbreak. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Safety Inspection Service, the company’s Virginia-based facility violated dozens of regulations. Upsetting details include the presence of black mold, mildew, cobwebs, and insects throughout the site.

As a result, 7 million pounds of 71 products have been recalled. This means it’s all the more vital to stay up-to-date on everything that is included. A full list of these products can be found here and includes how to identify if any are in your kitchen. Label information with images can also be found here.

“Everyone should check their homes for any remaining recalled Boar’s Head products since they can have long a shelf-life,” the CDC says. “Look for ‘EST. 12612’ or ‘P-12612’ inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024.”

While widespread, this outbreak has yet to affect every state. Below, you’ll find a complete list of the states being affected by this ongoing recall.

While Listeria isn’t always deadly, it can be particularly dangerous for those who are pregnant, over 65 years old, or have a weakened immune system. Still, even milder symptoms can be rough and are similar to food poisoning with diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

With this recall continuing to grow, it’s important to ensure these products are not in your home and that anyone who has eaten them keeps watch of their symptoms. Stay safe, everyone.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!