Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at deli counters. As of , 28 people in 12 states have been reported sick, with 28 hospitalizations and two deaths reported in Illinois and New Jersey. The investigation is ongoing to pinpoint the specific deli meat causing the outbreak.
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called invasive listeriosis, particularly dangerous for certain populations. While many experience mild symptoms, the infection can spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body, leading to severe illness.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can contract listeriosis, some individuals are at higher risk of severe illness. These include:
- Pregnant people: Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Individuals 65 years or older: Older adults are more susceptible to severe complications from Listeria.
- People with weakened immune systems: Those with certain medical conditions or undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system are at increased risk.
Symptoms can vary. Pregnant people typically experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. In non-pregnant individuals, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.
What the Investigation Shows
The CDC’s investigation has revealed a strong link between illness and consumption of deli meats. In interviews, 16 out of 18 (89%) individuals who became sick reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Currently, the investigation does *not* indicate that prepackaged deli meats are the source of the outbreak.
This outbreak is notable as it is the largest listeriosis outbreak in the United States since 2011, when an outbreak was linked to contaminated cantaloupe. As of , a previous update reported 57 illnesses and 9 deaths, but the CDC has since revised those numbers downward.
Recent updates, including one on , have indicated additional illnesses and deaths linked to recalled Boar’s Head deli meats. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found black mold and bugs at a Boar’s Head facility during inspections.
What Should You Do?
The CDC recommends the following precautions:
- For those at higher risk: Avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or until steaming hot just before serving.
- General public: If you have purchased recalled deli products, do not eat them. Throw them away or contact the store where you purchased them for a return.
- Cleanliness is key: Thoroughly clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats.
- Seek medical attention: If you have symptoms of Listeria and have recently eaten meats sliced at deli counters, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms typically start 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food, but can appear as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure.
What Businesses Should Do
The CDC and USDA-FSIS urge businesses operating deli counters to strictly adhere to best practices for controlling Listeria contamination. Listeria is a resilient germ that can survive on surfaces, including meat slicers, and in foods even at refrigerated temperatures.
Recent Developments and Recalls
Boar’s Head issued a recall of products produced at its Virginia-based facilities after a sample of liverwurst tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Operations at these facilities were temporarily paused. Consumers should check for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on product labels. Some recalled products have sell-by dates extending into .
a separate outbreak investigation is underway concerning prepared pasta meals, specifically those linked to Listeria monocytogenes as of .
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Individuals with questions about cases in specific states should contact their state’s health department.
