Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. has recently expanded its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects a significant amount of their products and has serious health implications. Here are the essential details you need to know:
Scope of the Recall
- Products Affected: The recall includes approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. This expansion covers 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The affected items include meats intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations.
- Distribution: The recalled products were distributed nationwide and exported to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. They bear establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
Reason for the Recall
- Listeria Contamination: The recall was initiated after a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Health Implications
- Symptoms of Listeriosis: Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Pregnant women are at particular risk, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in newborns.
- Current Outbreak: As of the latest update, 34 people have been identified with listeriosis in 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths
What to Do if You Have Recalled Products
- Dispose or Return: Consumers are advised to discard any recalled products or return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
- Cleaning and Safety Measures: It is important to clean and disinfect any surfaces, containers, or refrigerators that may have come into contact with the recalled products, as Listeria can persist even in cold environments.
- Cooking Recommendations: For those at higher risk, the CDC recommends reheating deli meats to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential Listeria bacteria.
Contact Information
- Consumer Inquiries: Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. For additional food safety questions, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can be reached at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).
- Media Inquiries: Media with questions can contact Elizabeth Ward, Vice President of Communications, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., at media@boarshead.com.
The Boar’s Head deli meat recall is a significant event that affects a wide range of products and has serious health implications. Consumers are urged to take immediate action by discarding or returning the recalled products and adhering to recommended safety measures to prevent Listeria infection.Sources:
