Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Deli Meats

The CDC has reported a significant listeria outbreak associated with Boar's Head deli meats, resulting in 57 confirmed illnesses and nine deaths across 18 states, making it the largest outbreak since 2011. Consumers are urged to discard any products from Boar's Head, particularly those marked with 'EST. 12612' or 'P-12612', and to sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with these items. Symptoms of listeriosis can take weeks to manifest and can include severe complications for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The outbreak originated from contaminated liverwurst products, leading to a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats. Health officials emphasize the bacteria's ability to thrive in refrigerated conditions, complicating detection and prevention efforts. For further details, individuals can refer to the CDC's guidelines on listeria and food safety.