A severe outbreak of listeria has prompted the recall of over 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats produced at a plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the outbreak, which began in May, has resulted in two deaths and nearly three dozen hospitalisations across 13 states. The outbreak highlights the dangers posed by listeria, a resilient bacterium capable of thriving in refrigerated conditions.
How Listeria Contaminates Deli Meats
Listeria bacteria are known for their ability to survive and proliferate in moist environments, such as soil, water, and decaying vegetation, and can be carried by animals. Contamination typically occurs during food processing, transportation, or storage. In this case, listeria was found in an unopened loaf of Boar’s Head liverwurst at a Maryland store, with further investigation confirming that the same strain was linked to the illnesses.
Symptoms and Risks of Listeria Poisoning
Listeria infection can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious symptoms may involve headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The onset of symptoms can vary, appearing within hours to weeks after consuming contaminated food. Vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Effectiveness of Cooking Against Listeria
While listeria can survive refrigeration, it can be killed by heating foods to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). However, since deli meats are often consumed cold, it is crucial to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with these products. The CDC advises those at higher risk to avoid consuming deli meats or to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
What to Do with the Recalled Products
The recall includes various deli meats such as liverwurst, ham, beef salami, and bologna from Boar’s Head. The affected products are marked with the plant number EST.12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark on the label. These products were distributed nationwide and to international locations including the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
Consumers are advised not to consume any recalled meats. Affected products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. The recall underscores the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in preventing foodborne illnesses.
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