A recall of US-based Boar’s Head meat and poultry products has been widely expanded due to being linked to a deadly listeria outbreak that has killed two people.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that an additional seven million pounds of deli and poultry items are being recalled due to the outbreak after Strassburger brand liverwurst products were recalled last week.
The expansion includes 71 products produced between 10 May 2024 and 29 July 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. They have “sell by” dates ranging from 29 July 2024 through 17 October 2024.
The problem was discovered when the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.
The US meat products brand recalled nine additional products that were produced at its Jarratt, Virginia facility on the same production line and on the same day as the liverwurst product which first “had the potential to be adulterated” with listeria.
Boar’s Head said in a statement: “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to immediately and voluntarily expand our recall to include all items produced at the Jarratt facility. We have also decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility until further notice. As a company that prioritises safety and quality, we believe it is the right thing to do.
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“On behalf of all of us at Boar’s Head Brand, we want to let our customers and consumers know that we deeply regret that our liverwurst products were found to be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for the families that have suffered losses and others who endured illness.”
The USDA said consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenescan can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems.
Boar’s Head added: “The health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. Boar’s Head has always been, and remains, committed to the quality and safety of our products.
“You have our commitment that we are dedicated to all Boar’s Head products consistently meeting the high quality and safety standards you deserve and expect.”
Last month, two consumers in Canada died after listeria infections linked to the recall of plant-based milk alternatives sold by Danone and Walmart.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed several cases of potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes related to Silk, which is owned by Danone, and Walmart’s private-label Great Value plant-based milks.
