(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Americans’ health is being compromised as the death toll from a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has risen, with a total of nine people dead and 57 sick in 18 states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 57 people have fallen ill from the contaminated meat so far, with 14 new cases reported. All the affected individuals were hospitalized.
The outbreak has now spread to 18 states, five more than initially identified.
Boar’s Head recalled its ready-to-eat liverwurst products, which were produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024. These items had a 44-day shelf life, with sell-by dates ranging from July 25 to August 30.
They were made in Virginia and sold in 3.5-pound loaves or various weights after being sliced in delis. According to the CDC, some products had sell-by dates extending into October.
In addition to the liverwurst, the company recalled all other deli products with the same shelf life and production location.
The CDC advised consumers to “look for ‘EST. 12612’ or ‘P-12612’ inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.”
In addition, listeria can spread on deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food, but refrigeration will not kill the bacteria. However, high heat can eliminate it.
The CDC noted that symptoms can develop up to 10 weeks after exposure, though they typically appear within two weeks. In some cases, symptoms can start the same day you’re exposed.
The center suggested that if a person has any of the recalled deli meats, they should not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away or contact the store where they bought them to ask about returns.
It is also important to clean the refrigerators, containers, and any surfaces that come into contact with the contaminated meats.
Furthermore, symptoms of a listeria infection include high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
For pregnant women, a listeria infection can lead to premature birth or miscarriage, and it can also cause severe illness or death in newborns.
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