A New Mexico resident has become one of the latest victims of the ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The deceased person, identified as an elderly woman from Bernalillo County, is one of at least nine reported deaths linked to the outbreak. The CDC has updated the total number of cases to 57 across 18 states. The outbreak, now recognized as the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, has prompted Boar’s Head to recall over 7.2 million pounds of deli meats, including liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage, and roasted bacon.
The recall follows the discovery of listeria contamination in products from Boar’s Head’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found numerous health and safety violations at the facility, including mold, mildew, and insect contamination.
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head has suspended operations at the Jarratt plant and is undertaking a thorough cleaning and retraining process. The company has stated that no products will be released until they meet the highest safety and quality standards. A Boar’s Head spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to food safety and expressed deep regret over the impact of the recall.
The CDC advises consumers to check their homes for any recalled products, which may have sell-by dates extending into October 2024. Listeria can survive on surfaces and in refrigeration, so people who have consumed recalled products should thoroughly clean their refrigerators and any potentially contaminated surfaces.
People over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to listeria. Listeriosis symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and they can appear after up to 10 weeks.
The CDC continues to investigate the outbreak and encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. The agency is working with local public health officials to track the source of the contamination and to prevent further cases.
