Boar’s Head deli meats are probably among the most popular kinds of deli meat in your local grocery store – but concerns over a deadly listeria outbreak have prompted a recall of over 7 million pounds of the company’s products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has discovered that at least 34 people – two of whom died – across 13 states have been sickened after consuming Boar’s Head deli meats.
A limited recall was rapidly expanded to 71 different products that were produced between May 10 and July 29, and the affected products have sell-by dates of July 29 through October 17.
What is listeria? Why is it so dangerous?
Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate a lot of different food items. Listeria can get into food because:
- Animals are infected with the bacteria deep in their intestines.
- Vegetables and fruits are contaminated by the use of manure from infected animals as fertilizer.
- Contaminated equipment in meat processing facilities, storage units and even delivery trucks can spread the bacteria.
Symptoms of listeriosis (listeria infection) include:
- Fevers
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Aching joints
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mental confusion
In severe cases, which are most likely to affect the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems due to various medical conditions, including cancer, victims of listeria poisoning can develop life-threatening complications, like brain infections, blood poisoning and death.
If you or your loved one has been sickened in a listeria outbreak due to contaminated deli meats or other food products, it may help to learn more about your legal options.
