Some Boar’s Head deli meats face recall as U.S. health officials investigate an outbreak of listeria 

Boar’s Head is recalling over 200,000 pounds of deli meat due to potential contamination with Listeria, as announced by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Friday. The recall covers all Liverwurst products and other deli meats listed by FSIS, following a positive Listeria test in a liverwurst sample from a Maryland store. The affected products include those processed on the same day at a Virginia plant.

The CDC has identified 34 cases of Listeria infections across 13 states, with two fatalities and 33 hospitalizations reported. However, the CDC cautions that the actual number of infections may be higher, as not all cases are tested and it can take weeks for illnesses to be linked to an outbreak.

Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. contract Listeria annually, resulting in about 260 deaths.

Consumers are advised to discard the recalled products or return them to the store for a refund. Health officials recommend thoroughly cleaning refrigerators to prevent contamination of other foods. The recall includes various deli meats, such as bologna, garlic bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham, Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham, and Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat, with sell-by dates primarily around mid-August.

The recall includes a number of multi pound packages stamped with an Aug. 10 sell-by date, including: ■bologna ■garlic bologna ■beef bologna ■beef salami ■Italian Cappy-style ham ■ Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham ■Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat, with a sell-by date of Aug. 15.