Enlarge / A recall notice is prominently displayed next to Boar’s Head deli meats at a Safeway store on July 31, 2024, in San Rafael, California. (credit: Getty | Justin Sullivan)
Recent Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Meats Claims Third Life
The ongoing bacterial outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli products has tragically resulted in a third reported death. Following the earlier recall of over 200,000 pounds of meat on July 26, the company expanded its recall last week by an astonishing total of more than 7 million pounds. To date, an extensive list comprising 71 different types of products manufactured between May 10 and July 29 has been withdrawn from sale across the country.
Current Statistics and Health Implications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an update this Thursday indicating that the outbreak has thus far impacted a total of 43 individuals—an increase from last week’s figure of just 34 cases. Hospitalizations resulting from these infections have also risen to match this trend; officials report that there are now a total of 43 hospitalizations compared to only thirty-three previously documented cases. The illnesses span across thirteen states within the U.S.
The three fatalities attributed to this outbreak include residents from Illinois and New Jersey; most recently reported was a death occurring in Virginia. The CDC warns that these documented cases likely represent only a fraction of actual occurrences—implying that additional states may soon reveal similar issues stemming from this contaminated food source.
A Closer Look at Listeria Monocytogenes Risks
This alarming situation stems from infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium commonly found in contaminated foods which can pose severe risks particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, seniors aged over sixty-five years old, and those with compromised immune systems. For members within these high-risk categories, listeriosis—a serious invasive infection—can occur as the bacteria transcends beyond simple gastrointestinal discomfort.
Pregnant individuals infected with listeriosis face substantial health risks including miscarriages or stillbirths; it can also lead to grave infections for newborn infants upon delivery. Data indicates that nearly ninety percent of non-pregnant individuals affected by listeriosis require hospitalization—and out of those infected overall approximately one in six patients succumb to complications arising from this illness.
Taking Precautions: Consumers are urged to remain vigilant regarding product recalls related both specifically and broadly across similar brands until further notice is given confirming their safety reinstatement.
