Is Boar’s Head Deli Meat Safe to Eat?

A recent and ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to a famed and renowned producer has people wondering, is Boar’s Head deli meat safe to eat?

Known for its quality, consumers were shocked to discover the conditions of the plant exposed in a document release outlining 69 serious health and safety violations over a one year period. While the recall removed quite a few products from shelves, that plant in Jarratt, Virginia has since closed, and an entire product was forever removed from their line-up, consumers may have noticed the brand still takes up a considerable amount of shelf space in their local grocery deli counter.

But is Boar’s Head deli meat safe to eat?

Latest Outbreak Update

With reports of new cases winding down, outbreak updates have become more and more spread out. This, however, does not mean that the outbreak is over. In fact, more new cases and a new death were reported in the latest outbreak update on September 25, 2024.

According to the update, “a total of 59 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported.” All people recorded in the outbreak required hospitalization, including one person who became sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering. Ten deaths have been reported. So far, 19 states have patients included in the outbreak. States with associated fatalities include Florida (1), Illinois (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (2), South Carolina (2), Tennessee (1), and Virginia (1).

As with most outbreaks, the true number of those impacted is likely higher than the number reported. Many people experience mild symptoms and recover on their own without medical intervention and are therefore never tested for Listeria. Additionally, it can take up to 10 weeks for a person to become sick from consuming something contaminated with Listeria, and another three to four weeks for a serious illness to be linked to an ongoing outbreak.

Regardless of the store recalls, some products may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or even freezers. A few of the recalled products have “best by dates” into October 2024.

Boar’s Head Statement Says Company Took Immediate Action and Swiftly Removed Affected Products

According to statements on the company’s website concerning products available on store shelves and deli counters, “Boar’s Head products currently available in food retail and food service outlets are not part of the recall.”

Though it is understandable for consumers to be concerned. The seriousness of illnesses associated with the outbreak linked to the company, paired with an initial small recall that expanded shortly after to include many other products and ultimately products made from that facility. People may take a little time to regain trust.

Recall Timeline

The recall timeline is one of the contributing factors leading consumers to question if Boar’s Head deli meat is safe to eat.

A nationwide investigation started once clusters of illnesses became linked to deli meats purchased at deli meat counters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with other regulatory agencies became involved.

A break in the case was made when a sample of Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst that was collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and linked to the outbreak.

The USDA immediately announced a recall notice for that product and nine others that were made on the same production line on the same day as the identified liverwurst product on July 25, 2024.

As more information became available, Boar’s Head decided to recall all products made at the Jarrett facility. This resulted in about seven million pounds of recalled product.

Company Calls All Other Boar’s Head Deli Meat Safe

Boar’s head explained in a Q&A section that “most Boar’s Head products are produced at other plants and are not affected by the recall.” Products made at the Jarratt, Virginia plant mostly included the company’s offerings of deli counter liverwurst, bolognas, and smoked hams. As well as a “limited number of prepackaged retail sausage, frankfurter, and bacon products.”

Since the plant’s closure production of some of these products have shifted to other facilities. Except, of course, for the implicated liverwurst.

But Consumers Still Ask, “Is Boar’s Head Deli Meat Safe to Eat?”

When such a well-respected brand is involved in such a documented and publicized scandal, consumers still question the product. Is Boar’s Head deli meat safe to buy and eat?

According to the CDC, there is always some risk of Listeria infection associated with eating deli meat. This doesn’t just apply to Boar’s Head deli meat, but any sliced deli meat products. Particularly those purchased fresh sliced at the deli counter. Especially for those who are pregnant, over 65 years old, or have a weakened immune system.

Other Products Associated with Listeria Infection

The same risk applies to other ready-to-eat refrigerator foods and unpasteurized dairy products.

This is because Listeria are foodborne bacteria capable of growing in the cool climate of your refrigerator. Most of the time a contaminated product does not look, smell, or taste any different.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Listeria Infection?

With the various risks associated with deli meats and other products, consumers become increasingly concerned about the foods they eat and feed their families.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of Listeria infections.

Pay Attention to Food Recalls

Food recalls are a good first place to start when choosing what to eat and feed your family. An official place to check out recent food recalls can be found here. This website is managed by the U.S. government.

Discontinue use and monitor for symptoms if you have a recalled product in your home.

Refrigerate Temperature Sensitive Food Immediately

When possible, shop cold items with insulated bags and bring a cooler with ice packs in your vehicle to the grocery store. While Listeria bacteria can grow at cold temperatures, their growth (along with many other foodborne pathogens) can slow when kept cold.

As soon as possible, get those cold items home and in your refrigerator as quickly as possible.

Use a thermometer in your fridge and freezer to be sure they are maintaining appropriate temperatures. Your refrigerator should register 40° F or below and your freezer should be 0° F or lower.

Eat Ready-to-Eat Foods Quickly

Always pay attention to “use by” dates on ready-to-eat food packages. Eat them quickly. The longer they are stored, the bigger the chance Listeria has time to grow before you eat it.

Cook or Heat Foods to Appropriate Temperatures

Most people know that raw foods have a safe internal temperature requirement. This varies depending on the type of food and how it is prepared. Refer to the USDA’s Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for that information.

Deli meats can also be heated. This can be done in the microwave, toaster oven, or oven. Heat deli meat until it is steaming hot to help kill Listeria or other germs potentially lurking on it.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a germ commonly associated with foodborne illness. Symptoms vary in severity depending on the person, the body part affected, and certain conditions. Including pregnancy.

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, muscle aches, and convulsions.

People who are pregnant often experience milder flu-like symptoms. However, the greater risk involves the pregnancy itself. Listeria infections may lead to miscarriage, still birth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

In some cases, Listeria infections can become invasive. This happens when the bacteria leave the digestive system and infects the brain, bones, joints, and areas of the chest and abdomen.

Have You Been Impacted by the Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak?

If you have been impacted by the Boar’s Head deli meat Listeria outbreak and wish to make a claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Listeria lawyer that can help!

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that can have serious and permanent impacts on a family. An experienced Listeria lawyer, like those at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help navigate the legal process for you and help hold those responsible for your illness accountable for their negligence.

Call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 or email or a free consultation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)