Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall 2024: What to Know About Listeria Risks, Affected Products, and Food Safety
The 2024 Boar's Head deli meat recall highlights listeria risks, product safety, and critical guidance for consumers and retailers nationwide.
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall 2024: Understanding the Listeria Outbreak
The 2024 recall of Boar’s Head deli meat due to listeria contamination marks one of the most significant food safety events in recent U.S. history. Spanning multiple states and even international markets, this recall followed the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in products distributed nationwide, with serious health implications for consumers.
What Triggered the Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall?
The recall began when state laboratory tests identified Listeria monocytogenes in unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products. The initial detection occurred in Maryland, quickly prompting a July 26, 2024 recall which expanded nationally after further positive tests in New York and additional regulatory inspection findings. By July 30, Boar’s Head announced an expanded recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats and poultry due to a growing listeriosis outbreak, making this one of the largest such events for the company in decades.
- Initial recall: July 26, 2024 (Maryland Department of Health detects listeria in liverwurst sample)
- Expanded recall: July 30, 2024, covering 71 products produced at the Jarratt, VA facility
What Is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause the serious infection listeriosis, particularly dangerous for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow in refrigerated environments, making deli meats a higher risk if contaminated.
- Illnesses can develop up to several weeks after consumption.
- Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in meningitis, septicemia, miscarriage, or death.
- Listeria causes an estimated 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the U.S., with outbreaks often linked to ready-to-eat meats and cheeses.
Which Boar’s Head Products Were Recalled?
The expanded recall covers 71 total products produced at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia plant under both the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. These products include liverwurst pâté, beef bologna, black forest ham, various types of bacon, salami, Canadian bacon, sausages, and head cheese.
Recalled products were distributed nationwide, exported to select international markets, and sold both pre-packaged and sliced at deli counters. The affected items have “sell by” dates from July 29, 2024 through October 17, 2024.
| Product Example | Brand | Type | Sell By Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strassburger Liverwurst | Boar’s Head | Pâté/Deli Meat | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
| Black Forest Ham | Boar’s Head | Ham | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
| Beef Bologna | Boar’s Head | Bologna | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
| Canadian Bacon | Boar’s Head | Bacon | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
| Smoked Sausage | Old Country | Sausage | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
| Head Cheese | Old Country | Specialty | 07/29/24-10/17/24 |
Check labels for establishment numbers “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
How Did Listeria Get Into the Deli Meats?
Investigations by both state and federal agencies identified significant sanitary violations at the Boar’s Head facility in Jarratt, VA. Reports from August 2023 to August 2024 documented 69 regulatory violations: black mold, pooling blood, mildew, insect activity, and foul odors. Food safety experts argued that the company’s approach to listeria risk management, centered on sanitation and testing, was insufficient compared to industry best practices, which may involve advanced processing techniques (such as cooking final products inside packaging).
What others are reading
- The outbreak led to at least 10 reported deaths and over 60 hospitalizations by November 2024 in the U.S.
- Experts and consumer advocates questioned why regulators failed to intervene sooner or close the facility.
Broader Impact: Distribution, Retailers, and Public Health
Boar’s Head is a leading national brand; this recall sent shockwaves within the food industry and among consumers:
- Global distribution: Products were shipped to stores and delis in all U.S. states and to Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands.
- Retailers: Both pre-packaged and deli-sliced meats were affected. Some delis prepared sandwiches or platters with recalled products.
- No illnesses reported in some regions: For example, officials noted that Michigan had no linked cases as of early August 2024.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you suspect you have bought or consumed recalled Boar’s Head or Old Country products:
- Stop eating: Do not consume the meat. Discard any affected items immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.
- Check your refrigerator: Look for products with sell-by dates between July 29 and October 17, 2024, and the specific establishment numbers.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash and sanitize all surfaces (cutting boards, refrigerator shelves, knives, counters) that may have come into contact with the recalled meat.
- Deli owners: Discard opened meats and cheeses, thoroughly clean food and non-food contact surfaces, and disassemble and sanitize deli slicers, per USDA and FDA guidance.
- Monitor your health: If you develop symptoms of listeria infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately and mention possible exposure to recalled products.
Regulatory Response and Food Safety Guidance
The recall triggered responses and new guidance from multiple agencies:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Publicized recall and outlined cleaning protocols for retailers.
- CDC: Issued recommendations specifically for at-risk populations such as pregnant people, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
- FDA & State Health Agencies: Provided advice for both consumers and food service establishments, reinforcing the importance of cleaning deli equipment.
Key Food Safety Recommendations for Home and Retail
- Always keep ready-to-eat deli meats refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower.
- Do not consume deli meat past the sell-by date.
- Clean and sanitize storage areas and utensils after handling deli meats.
- Pregnant individuals, seniors, and immunocompromised persons should avoid eating deli meats unless reheated to steaming hot, at least 165°F (74°C).
What If You Feel Sick? Listeriosis Symptoms and Care
Listeria infection can be mild or severe. Symptoms may appear up to 70 days after exposure, often starting within several days to several weeks.
| Symptom | Common In All | High-Risk Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Fever and chills | Yes | Possible, with dangerous fluctuations |
| Muscle aches | Yes | Potentially severe pain in vulnerable groups |
| Nausea & diarrhea | Yes | Risk of dehydration |
| Meningitis/encephalitis | No | Severe risk: confusion, headache, neck stiffness |
Infants, seniors, pregnant women, and immunocompromised are most at risk for severe illness.
Expert Analysis: Food Law and Processing Critiques
Food safety experts highlighted numerous shortcomings in both Boar’s Head’s practices and regulatory oversight. Major issues included:
- Sanitation vs. Advanced Processing: Critics argued that relying mainly on sanitation and product testing is inadequate, especially compared to methods that cook products in final packaging, eliminating the risk of post-cooking contamination.
- Lack of timely regulatory intervention: Reports of repeated violations were not met with swift action, raising questions about plant oversight.
- Transparency concerns: Some food safety leaders noted a disconnect between public trust in major brands and actual industry practices.
Regulatory Links and Additional Resources
- USDA FSIS Guidance: Best practices for food retailers (refer to their updated guidelines for delis and meat slicer safety).
- FDA: Advice for at-risk populations regarding deli meats.
- State Departments of Health: For recall details and state-specific support (Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, New York, etc.).
- CDC: Updated outbreak investigation findings and prevention recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the 2024 Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall
Q: Which Boar’s Head products were recalled?
A: 71 products including liverwurst, bologna, ham, Canadian bacon, sausages, head cheese, and others under Boar’s Head and Old Country brands, produced at the Jarratt, VA plant with sell-by dates between July 29 and October 17, 2024.
Q: How can I tell if my deli meat is included?
A: Check the product label for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark and look for sell-by dates within the affected range.
Q: Is it safe to eat Boar’s Head deli meats bought after October 17, 2024?
A: Products made after that date and not included in the recall—as confirmed by authorities—are considered safe, but always follow food safety practices and refer to updated recall notices.
Q: What should I do if I ate the recalled meat?
A: Monitor for symptoms of listeriosis, especially if you are pregnant, a senior, or immunocompromised. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop symptoms or are concerned.
Q: How should I clean my kitchen after a listeria recall?
A: Clean all surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water and a disinfectant. Pay special attention to refrigerator shelves, meat slicers, cutting boards, and counters that contacted the product.
Takeaways for Consumers and Food Industry
- Stay alert to recall notices and regularly check food safety authority updates.
- Practice diligent cleaning to help prevent future contamination if exposed to recalled products.
- Report illness linked to recalled foods to health authorities to aid ongoing investigations.
Understanding food recalls such as the Boar’s Head listeria event is essential for protecting public health. This incident underscores the importance of food safety vigilance and transparent oversight across the supply chain.
References
- https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/food-dairy/recalls/Expanded-Recall-of-Boars-Head-Deli-Meats-Due-to-Potential-Listeria-Contamination.pdf?rev=b41df3ce8d684a1890b3f12435ff2b53&hash=BF8711EC9A357C3B2F282E2AC22A1BE2
- https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/food-safety-program/food-recalls/7-30-24-boars-head-provisions
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_listeriosis_outbreak
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/investigation.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
- https://boarshead.com/food-safety
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