Since July 26, more than 7 million pounds of popular Boar’s Head deli meats have been recalled due to their link to a listeria outbreak. So far, 43 people in 13 states – including Missouri – have been hospitalized, and three have died. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 37% heard about the outbreak this week, up from 28% the week before.
What is listeria and how does it get into deli meat?
Listeria bacteria is found in soil, water, and decaying vegetation. It can easily contaminate food during harvest, processing, or storage. In the current outbreak, Listeria was first detected in an unopened loaf of Boar’s Head liverwurst at a Maryland store. Boar’s Head brand is sold nationwide.
Who is hearing about the outbreak?
Among 595 adults surveyed in five states, awareness of the Listeria outbreak was highest in Texas (44%), followed by Maryland (41%), Missouri and Nebraska (37% each); awareness was lowest in Colorado (29%). Awareness was higher among adults ages 50+ compared to those younger than 50 (54% vs 30%) and higher for Blacks than Whites (42% vs. 35%).
How dangerous is listeria infection?
Eating food contaminated with listeria can cause mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and digestive issues. However, pregnant women, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications, including meningitis and sepsis. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect these symptoms.
Do you have the recalled deli meats?
The recalled meats were distributed nationwide and have plant number EST. 12612 or P-12612 on the USDA label. Don’t eat recalled meat. Discard it or return it for a refund.
Community organizations in St. Louis can help protect higher-risk residents from contaminated foods by sharing the resources below and checking for a complete list of the recalled Boar’s Head deli meats products here.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of 595 adult residents of St. Louis, MO (n = 142), Omaha, NE (n = 82), Texas (n = 77), Baltimore, MD (n = 170) and Colorado (n = 124) surveyed August 3 – 5, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
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Since July 26, more than 7 million pounds of popular Boar’s Head products have been recalled due to their link to a listeria outbreak. Stay up to date on this recall, and check your fridge for recalled products you should throw out or return.
#iHeardSTL #USDA #ListeriaOutbreak #FoodSafety #DeliMeat
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The USDA protects people by assuring the safety of meat, poultry and egg products. Current recalls can be found on the USDA website (for meat, poultry and eggs) or the FDA website. Share this information with someone you know!
www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls
#iHeardSTL #USDA #FDA
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