Boar’s Head Recalls Several Deli Meat Products Due to Listeria Risk

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. is recalling all liverwurst products and several types of ham, bologna, salami, and bacon products sold at deli counters nationwide because they may be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria. The products were produced in June and July, 2024.

Consumption of the contaminated meats can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected. As of July 25, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including Massachusetts. Illness from Listeria connected to the outbreak has resulted in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. 

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons, especially in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating possibly contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about the possibility of having eaten contaminated food.

Individuals who have purchased these deli products are urged not to eat them; these products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

Information about the specific Boar’s Head products being recalled can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.  

More information about the Listeria outbreak can be found on the CDC website. You can also learn more there about Listeria symptoms; diagnosis and treatment; and prevention. 

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277.