As of August 9, 2024, 43 people in the United States been hospitalized, and three people have died from a listeriosis outbreak linked to sliced deli meat; it is reported to have been connected to contaminated products sold by Boar's Head.[1] [2] The outbreak is believed to have started in May 2024 and was first reported in July.[3]
In interviews with sick people, 23 of 24 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating deli-sliced liverwurst, with seven of those reporting the Boar's Head brand. An unopened Boar's Head liverwurst product (at an unspecified location) tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Testing is ongoing to determine if the listeria in the liverwurst is the same as the ill people. Investigators are working to determine if other deli meat products are affected.[4] [5] On July 30, Boar's Head issued a recall for seven million pounds of meat prepared at the company's plant in Jarratt, Virginia.[3] [6]