A listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head meat factory has killed nine and hospitalized dozens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has traced the spoiled meat back to the company’s Jarratt, Virginia plant, which has been shut down to be disinfected. While there is a list of Boar’s Head products that have been recalled (which we’ll list below), you may want to dispose of any items you have that were produced by the company.
What Boar’s Head meats have been recalled?
According to the USDA, the following Boar’s Head products have been recalled:
- Beef Bologna
- Beef Salami
- Bologna
- Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Garlic Bologna
- Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat
- Strassburger Brand Liverwurst Made in Virginia
- Virginia Ham Old Fashioned Ham
However, according to CBS News, the Jaratt, Virginia plant was filled with mold, mildew, and bugs, so it’s probably a good idea to get rid of any Boar’s Head products you own.
Listeria Symptoms and Effects
According to the CDC, Listeria is a type of bacteria that causes listeriosis. In healthy populations, the symptoms of the infection are uncomfortable but mild. However, for vulnerable individuals, listeriosis can lead to meningitis or septicemia, which are deadly.
Pregnant women should be especially cautious. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or other complications.
Here’s a breakdown of listeria symptoms:
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Death
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Miscarriage
- Muscle aches
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Premature delivery
- Stiff neck
- Stillbirth
How to disinfect and avoid a listeria outbreak
One of the tricky things about listeria is that it can survive at low temperatures in a refrigerator and spread to other foods. If you have one of the infected products, use protective wear and immediately dispose of it. If the meat has come into contact with any other foods in your fridge, dispose of them as well.
Once the tainted item is disposed of, disinfect your fridge and any surfaces the meat touched with an antibacterial product.
Do not eat any other deli meat (even if it’s not Boar’s Head) unless it’s heated at 165°F or higher.
