What's in Our Cold Cuts? The Recent Listeria Outbreak

Karena Peterson, 9/8/24

In 2011 there was an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, spanning across over 20 states, infecting 147 individuals, and killing 33 patients. To prevent future cases like this and other previous outbreaks, caused by Listeria or other food pathogens, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011. FSMA listed 7 major rules that manufacturers had to be in compliance with within one to two years after the FDA’s finalization. Despite this, the largest Listeria outbreak since the nationwide spate in 2011 has been recently reported, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cause? Boar’s Head Deli meats. Those who consumed the later recalled contaminated meats soon found themselves with an unpleasant diagnosis- Listeriosis.

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness that can be fatal to people under certain circumstances, such as pregnancy, weakened immune systems, and people of young or old age. First reported in humans by A. Nyfeldt in 1929, L. monocytogenes bacteria continues to be found across the globe. The CDC estimates that 1,600 individuals are infected, of which 260 die, with Listeria bacteria each year in the U.S. The previous investigation by the CDC of another case occurred just 6 months before this one, in February of 2024. The way that these occur is mainly through contaminated food, raw meat or produce, prepared or stored salads, unpasteurized dairy products, and- unsurprisingly- deli meats.

The investigation, started on July 19th, 2024, is ongoing as of early September- though according to Boar’s Head, close to being concluded and shared with the public. It has not yet been conclusively determined how their products, such as Boar’s Head Liverwurst, combined with over 7 million pounds of meat, were adulterated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has listed under “Frequently Requested Records” their Non-Compliance Reports detailing the issues found within a facility that have been speculated to have caused the infections, however, there has been no direct association stated to the Listeria outbreaks. For caution and safety, the brand has paused production at their Jarrett, Virginia facility, the origin of the contaminated meats, and will not resume until their products meet USDA regulations. The Boar’s Head brand has posted on their website detailing their, “[deep] regret,” their immediate responses, and their future plans to avoid situations like this from happening again. Nevertheless, the damage has been done. Across the U.S., individuals have found themselves presented with Listeriosis symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea–and in more severe cases of infected nervous systems–headaches, loss of balance, and/or convulsions. As of September 7th, 2024, there have been 57 reported cases, 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths.

As of September, this case is not yet closed, and it is still recommended for citizens to take caution. While the meats have been recalled from selling stores, individuals may have previously purchased a package, and due to their long shelf lives, may still have the packages in their possession. The CDC has recommended checking fridges for the meats and discarding any that have been found, as well as cleaning any surfaces that may have touched the meat thoroughly. Individuals should note that L. monocytogenes bacteria can survive cold temperatures, and are therefore not killed from refrigeration, but by high temperatures. Thanks to the long shelf life of these products, L. monocytogenes resilience under cold temperatures, and the possibility of delayed onset of symptoms, it’s likely that case count will continue to rise despite the recall and production pause, making it important for citizens to stay informed and proceed with caution.

References

Listeriosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Listeria infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

Get the Facts about Listeria | FDA.

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese - February 2024

More illnesses and deaths in Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats is reminder to avoid recalled products | CDC Newsroom

Boar's Head July 2024 Product Recall Information

Six more deaths linked to Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak (nbcnews.com)

Boar’s Head: CDC warns against eating recalled deli meat as deadly listeria outbreak expands | CNN

Frequently Requested Records | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)

The deadly listeria outbreak in the U.S. has worsened : NPR