CDC Reports Major Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

The CDC has reported a significant listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, resulting in a total of 57 illnesses and eight deaths across 18 states, marking the largest listeriosis incident since 2011. Among the fatalities are individuals from Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina. The outbreak, which began in late May and continued into August, has led to the recall of over 7 million pounds of deli products, with many items having sell-by dates extending into October 2024. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled products labeled with codes EST. 12612 or P-12612 and to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with these meats. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, and can manifest up to 10 weeks after exposure. The CDC emphasizes the importance of reheating deli meats to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bacteria before consumption.