Map reveals 19 states impacted by listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli products
The most recent update from the CDC regarding the listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meat indicates a decrease in reported cases of illness and fatalities, as stated on Wednesday.
Since the last CDC update on August 28, there has been one additional death, two new hospitalizations, and one new reported case of illness in a different state. This raises the total to 59 individuals affected—10 of whom have died—across 19 states.
The latest fatality occurred in New York, marking the second death in that state, according to officials. Furthermore, Louisiana has now reported one hospitalization related to the outbreak.
Since July 26, Boar’s Head has recalled 71 of its products, amounting to approximately 7.2 million pounds of deli meats. The company is also facing legal challenges, including at least one class-action lawsuit initiated as of early August. The family of a victim—a 88-year-old Holocaust survivor from Virginia—has spoken to YSL News about the loss and is planning to pursue legal action.
Map indicates the states impacted by the listeria outbreak
The CDC confirms that 59 individuals have become ill across 19 states due to the listeria outbreak connected to sliced deli meats, resulting in 10 deaths.
The accompanying map highlights where the 59 affected individuals reside. Fatalities have been reported in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina, with New York documenting the highest number of cases at 17.
States impacted by the listeria outbreak
- New York
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Missouri
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
Boar’s Head products that have been recalled
On July 26, Boar’s Head initially announced a recall for 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and various deli meats. An expanded recall on July 30 included over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
In a statement issued on July 30, Boar’s Head explained that they expanded the recall to include all products made at their facility in Jarratt, Virginia, after their Strassburger Brand Liverwurst was linked to the nationwide listeria outbreak.
Recalls of Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat liverwurst products
- Produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a shelf-life of 44 days
- “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia”
- Available in 3.5-pound loaves with plastic wrapping, or various weights in slices from retail delis
- Sell-by dates are between July 25, 2024, and August 30, 2024
Other deli meat products from Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head has also recalled all deli items produced at their Jarratt facility, which includes prepackaged deli meats. Consumers should check for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on product labels inside the USDA inspection mark.
Symptoms of listeriosis or listeria poisoning
Listeriosis, commonly referred to as listeria poisoning, is a foodborne infection caused primarily by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It poses significant health risks and can be particularly severe for older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms as outlined by the USDA include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal problems
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or severe infections in newborns
- Death
Individuals in high-risk groups who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated foods should seek medical attention and notify their healthcare provider about the contaminated food, according to the USDA.