A listeria outbreak linked to at least 2 deaths, 33 hospitalizations and 34 illnesses in 13 states has been reported by consumers of meats sliced at deli counters. Over 7 million pounds of Boars Head Deli meats have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination. Listeria is especially serious for people who are pregnant, over age 65, or who have a weakened immune system. The CDC advises people in these groups to avoid eating any meat sliced at any deli counter, and everyone should discard recalled Boars Head / Old Country products.

As part of this investigation, an unopened package of Boars Head liverwurst tested positive for listeria at a Maryland location. Listeria can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions that are sometimes preceded by digestive issues like diarrhea.

Boars Head Provision Co. recalled over 7 million pounds of liverwurst and other deli meat products. This includes all products that were produced on the same day using the same machines as the liverwurst due to contamination risk; this includes ham, bologna, beef salami, bacon, porchetta, and sausage. People should check any Boars Head or Old Country product to see if it was a part of the recall. If unsure, it is best to discard it.

A complete list of the recalled products can be found at the USDA website, and include Boars Head deli meat and other Boars Head or Old Country brand products that were shipped to stores nationwide with sell-by dates between July 25, 2024 and Aug. 30, 2024.

People should check their refrigerator for these meats and discard them and clean any surface that may have touched the deli meats.

While a number of Boars Head deli meat products have been recalled, it is possible that additional products were affected. People in at-risk groups should avoid eating deli meats sliced at deli counters while the investigation is ongoing.