Boar’s Head, a brand known for its high-quality deli meats, is currently facing a major listeria outbreak — the worst since the 2011 cantaloupe crisis — which has resulted in 10 fatalities.

As of the end of September, 59 individuals across 19 states have been hospitalized due to the outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products. With lawsuits and ongoing investigations, many might be questioning whether it’s safe to consume Boar’s Head deli meat again.

Despite one investigation with potential legal consequences still underway, Boar’s Head has reassured the public that the impacted products were swiftly removed from shelves, and that the meats currently in stores and restaurants are not part of any recall and are safe to eat.

However, the serious impact of the outbreak may have tarnished the brand’s reputation. Here’s what Boar’s Head and food safety experts advise consumers.

Boar’s Head claims current products are safe

Following a recall of all deli meats produced at the Jarratt, Virginia facility on July 29, Boar’s Head communicated via email to YSL News and its website that “immediate action” was taken to withdraw affected products from the market.

The company stated that only items on the recall list purchased before July 31 should be disposed of; however, products now available in stores and food outlets are not recalled and are safe for consumption.

In the FAQ section on Boar’s Head’s website addressing the outbreak, the company’s response remains consistent: “Boar’s Head products available for sale today are not part of the recall.”

On September 13, it was announced that Boar’s Head would permanently close the Jarratt facility and halt liverwurst production indefinitely, identifying a specific production process at that location as the source of the contamination.

On Friday, Boar’s Head spokesperson Elizabeth Ward emphasized their strong commitment to food safety and recognized their long-standing reputation for high-quality products.

“The company is dedicated to ensuring consumers can trust the Boar’s Head brand. To further this goal, we have appointed Frank Yiannas, MPH, a distinguished food safety expert, as our interim Chief Food Safety Advisor. He will also lead the newly created ‘Boar’s Head Food Safety Advisory Council,’ made up of top food safety professionals.”

CDC reinforces food safety recommendations

A spokesperson from the CDC directed YSL News to the agency’s food safety guidelines to help prevent listeria exposure. No matter the situation with any current outbreak, the CDC recommends taking precautionary measures, especially for individuals more vulnerable to listeriosis, such as pregnant women, those aged 65 or older, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

The CDC notes that items like soft cheeses, raw milk and dairy, deli meats, prepared foods, pate, cold-smoked fish, sprouts, and melons have the highest chances of being contaminated with listeria.

Deli products, especially those that are sliced or prepared in-store, can get contaminated through contact with equipment, surfaces, hands, or other foods. It’s important to remember that refrigeration doesn’t eliminate listeria, though proper cooking can.

Because of this, especially high-risk individuals should practice safety measures such as washing hands and kitchen utensils before, during, and after food preparation; using separate boards and utensils for raw foods; cooking foods to safe temperatures; and ensuring proper refrigeration to inhibit bacterial growth.

The USDA has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Expert: ‘This is the safest time to purchase Boar’s Head’

According to Martin Bucknavage, a senior food safety extension associate at Penn State Department of Food Science, Boar’s Head is likely enhancing its sanitation and monitoring protocols. One of the main strategies for managing listeria is maintaining cleanliness in packaging environments, which may involve increased testing and sampling of their facilities in response to any negative results.

“This is probably the safest time to buy Boar’s Head,” Bucknavage stated. “First, they have shut down the problematic facility. Second, a company that has faced issues like this is likely to be extremely vigilant, double-checking their procedures to guarantee product safety, and the USDA is being diligent in ensuring the safety of Boar’s Head products being made.”

The severity of the current outbreak may lead to improvements in the overall safety of deli counters, according to an expert.

“This reflects the historical pattern of food regulations in the United States. Most modifications to food regulations typically arise after significant incidents like outbreaks,” he mentioned. Food manufacturers are likely to enhance the scrutiny of their products and processes, and we can also anticipate stronger protocols on a regulatory front. In previous instances, Congress has taken action to instigate major reforms,” he added.

Expert: ‘Consumer Trust Has Been Shaken’

Food scientist and consultant Dr. Bryan Quoc Le has a more cautious perspective on the matter.

“I believe this situation has severely damaged consumer trust,” he shared with YSL News. “As someone involved in the industry as well as a consumer, I would likely advise my family not to purchase Boar’s Head products for at least six months to a year.”

His suggestion is not due to concerns that Boar’s Head items are still contaminated with listeria, but rather because any changes in the company’s culture and food safety practices will need time to be effectively implemented and adjusted.

“It’s not a matter of just flipping a switch,” he noted. “The policies that led to this problem in one facility raise questions about whether similar issues could exist in others. While it may not be listeria, there’s a possibility of even minor foodborne illnesses happening elsewhere.”