A foodborne listeriosis outbreak linked to Boar’s Head ready-to-eat (RTE) deli products has sickened 34 people across 13 states, resulting in two deaths, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The manufacturer has initiated a recall, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has issued a public health announcement alerting consumers not to eat the affected goods.  

Investigations are ongoing. Epidemiological data collected thus far suggest that L. monocytogenes-contaminated meats sliced at delis may be the source of the outbreak. Patients have been identified in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

More specifically, the recall was initiated after testing identified L. monocytogenes in an unopened package of Boar’s Head liverwurst at retail, which was collected by the Maryland Department of Health and the Baltimore City Health Department as part of an investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing is underway to see if it is the same strain as the strain that is has sickened patients. Investigators are also working to collect more information to see if other deli meat products are affected.

In addition to a recall of the liverwurst products, Boar’s Head is also recalling other deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst. In total, the company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products, including:

• 3.5 pound (lb.) loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA,” with sell-by dates ranging from July 25–August 30, 2024
• 9.5 lb. and 4.5 lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 4 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 6 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 4 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 2.5 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 5.5 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT AND EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging
• 3 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging
• 3 lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.

The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.   

Update, July 31, 2024: Boar's Head has expanded its recall after whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis found a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health to be positive for the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes. Details of the expanded recall can be found here.

Update, August 29, 2024: To date, CDC has reported 57 illnesses linked to the outbreak, all of which have resulted in hospitalization; nine people have died. A total of 18 states have been affected: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. CDC reports that this outbreak is the largest L. monocytogenes outbreak since the 2011 outbreak involving cantaloupes.

Update, September 12, 2024: USDA inspection reports have revealed a history of serious noncompliance at Boar's Head's Jarratt, Virginia plant, which is responsible for the listeriosis outbreak. The facility has been shut down until adequate production conditions can be demonstrated. Noncompliances observed by inspectors include the presence of rust, mold, leaking pipes, insects, meat residues on feed contact surfaces, and other issues.

Update, September 13, 2024: Boar’s Head announced that it is indefinitely closing the Jarratt, Virginia plant, and that it is discontinuing its liverwurst product, which was the vehicle of the outbreak. Additionally, the company is implementing a number of enhanced food safety and quality measures, including the appointment of a new Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer, and establishing a new Boar’s Head Food Safety Council.

Update, September 25, 2024: The death toll in the Boar's Head listeriosis has climbed to ten people in 19 states (Louisiana being the most recent addition), according to CDC. A total of 59 people have been sickened.