NEW YORK, NY — New Yorkers have a longstanding affection for Boar’s Head deli meats, a brand synonymous with quality and tradition in countless delis across the city. From bustling bodegas in Brooklyn to iconic sandwich shops in Manhattan,
Boar’s Head is the go-to choice for many seeking fresh, flavorful deli offerings. Its reputation for using fine ingredients and creating a variety of meats that cater to the diverse tastes of New York’s population has solidified its place in the hearts of deli enthusiasts.
Whether piled high on rye or served in a classic New York bagel, Boar’s Head meats are a key ingredient in the everyday culinary experiences of New Yorkers.
However, a CDC recall is causing concern across the city and in neighboring states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., based in Jarratt, VA, has issued a nationwide recall of approximately 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall following a positive test for the bacteria by the Maryland Department of Health.
The recalled products include liverwurst and deli meats produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024, which are suspected of being tainted with L. monocytogenes. The implicated products have sell-by dates ranging from July 25 to August 30, 2024, for liverwurst, and August 10 and 15, 2024, for other deli meats. The deli meats include various types of hams, bologna, and salami, packaged in weights suitable for retail delis.
The issue came to light following the discovery of Listeria in an unopened liverwurst sample taken from a retail store in Baltimore as part of an outbreak investigation. This investigation has linked the outbreak to 34 illnesses across 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, with the first cases reported as early as May 29, 2024.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, causing symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and severe neurological issues. FSIS has issued guidelines urging consumers who have purchased these products to avoid consumption and retailers to remove the products from shelves.
In response to the recall, FSIS is also advising retail delis to enhance their cleaning protocols, referencing their Best Practices Guidance for controlling Listeria in retail settings. The recall effectiveness checks will continue as FSIS collaborates with the CDC and state health departments to ensure public safety.
