Boar’s Head Provisions has issued a recall for all its liverwurst products due to potential listeria contamination, the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Friday. This recall comes amid an investigation into a listeria outbreak that has affected 34 people and resulted in two deaths across more than a dozen states. In addition to liverwurst, Boar’s Head has also identified several deli meat products that may contain the listeria bacteria, leading to the recall of over 103 tons of meat. The company, based in Sarasota, Florida, is working with health officials to manage the situation and ensure consumer safety.

Details of the Recall

The liverwurst products being recalled were produced between June 11 and June 17, with a shelf life of 44 days. These items are available at retail delis nationwide. The specific liverwurst product under recall is labeled “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst” and is sold in 3.5-pound loaves encased in plastic, as well as in other weights and sliced forms. The sell-by dates for the recalled liverwurst range from July 25 to August 30.

Additional Boar’s Head products potentially contaminated with listeria include:

• Virginia Ham
• Old Fashioned Ham
• Italian Cappy Style Ham
• Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
• Bologna
• Beef Salami
• Steakhouse Roasted Bacon
• Garlic Bologna
• Beef Bologna

The contamination was identified when the Maryland Department of Health tested an unopened liverwurst sample from a store and found it positive for listeria. This testing was part of a broader investigation into the listeria outbreak, conducted in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria

Listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause the illness of listeriosis, poses serious health risks. Mild symptoms often include fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, listeriosis can lead to severe infections, particularly in pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems. Serious symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, and convulsions. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that listeria spreads easily on deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Refrigeration does not kill listeria, but reheating food to a high temperature can eliminate the bacteria.

Consumer Guidance and Safety Measures

Consumers who have purchased Boar’s Head liverwurst or other potentially contaminated deli meats are advised not to consume these products and to return them to the place of purchase. Retailers are urged to remove these items from store shelves immediately.

For any questions regarding the Boar’s Head recall, consumers can contact the company’s customer service at (800) 352-6277. For broader food safety inquiries, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s meat and poultry hotline is available at (888) 674-6854, or via email at [email protected].