CDC Reports Third Death from Listeria-tainted Deli Meats; Boar’s Head Recalls Millions of Pounds

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a third individual has succumbed to listeria-tainted products, bringing the nationwide outbreak that began in May to a tragic conclusion. The outbreak is linked to meats sliced at deli counters, shedding light on a pressing public health concern.

Since the last update in late July, the number of reported cases of listeria-contaminated products has surged to 43, leading to heightened concern among health officials and the public. The CDC has established a connection between the outbreak and Boar's Head deli meats, resulting in the company's recall of millions of pounds of affected products. Among the impacted individuals, the third reported death, which occurred in Virginia, underscores the severity of the situation. Boar's Head, a prominent provider of deli meats, initiated a recall of its sliceable deli meats in late July following a positive test of one of its liverwurst products for the listeria strain responsible for the outbreak.

Tracing the Origin and Scope of the Outbreak

The recall, which was significantly expanded on July 30, encompasses more than 70 products, including those derived from ham, beef, and poultry, all manufactured at the company's facility in Virginia. The CDC's findings regarding the source of the listeria contamination, along with the extensive nature of the recall, highlight the need for public vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent further cases of listeriosis.