Summer 2024, a significant listeria outbreak has prompted a recall of Boar’s Head deli meats, raising concerns among consumers. The outbreak has resulted in nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading to increased scrutiny over affected products.
What Products Are Included in the Recall?
In late July, Boar’s Head initiated a recall of liverwurst and other products manufactured on the same production line and day at its Virginia facility. The recall was expanded shortly after, encompassing an additional 7 million pounds of meat products. This includes a wide range of items such as ham, bacon, bologna, frankfurters, sausage, pate, and head cheese, sold under both Boar’s Head and Old Country brands.
A comprehensive list of the recalled products is available on Boar’s Head’s website, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has published images of the product labels. These products are primarily those found sliced fresh at deli counters, as well as a limited selection of pre-packaged sausages, frankfurters, and bacon. The recall affects products purchased before July 31.
Consumers are advised to check for products bearing labels with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Some affected items have sell-by dates extending into October.
Boar’s Head has confirmed that all affected products have been withdrawn from sale, and current offerings in retail and foodservice outlets are not part of the recall.
Recalled Products List
Ham:
- All Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Ham
- All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham
- BourbonRidge Uncured Smoked Ham
- Brown Sugar & Spice Off the Bone Ham
- Gourmet Pepper Brand Ham
- Hickory Smoked Roast Uncured Ham
- Italian Cappy Ham
- Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Maple Glazed Roast Pork Loin
- Peppenero Garlic Ham
- Porchetta Roasted Seasoned Pork (Foodservice)
- Roasted Pork
- Rosemary & Sundried Tomato Ham
- SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked Ham
- Sweet Slice Smoked Uncured Ham
- Tavern Ham
- Virginia Ham
Bologna:
- Pork & Beef Bologna
- 33% Lower Sodium Bologna
- Beef Bologna
- Beef Salami
- Garlic Bologna
- Head Cheese
- Strassburger Brand Liverwurst
- Liverwurst Pate
- Olive Terrine Loaf
- Pickle & Pepper Terrine Loaf
- Spiced Ham
Frankfurters:
- Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters
- Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing
- Uncured Beef Frankfurters
- Uncured Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing
- Uncured Cocktail Frankfurters
- Uncured Beef Knockwurst
Sausage:
- Bratwurst
- Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage
- Uncured Kielbasa
- All Natural Chicken Sausage – Smoked Andouille
Old Country:
- Old Country Brand All Nat Uncured Smoked Ham
- Old Country Brand All Natural Uncured Ham
- Old Country Brand Beechwood Smoked Ham
- Old Country Brand BourbonRidge Smoked Ham
- Old Country Brand Brown Sugar & Spice Delight Off the Bone Ham
- Old Country Brand Cappy Brand Ham
- Old Country Brand Gourmet Pepper Ham
- Old Country Brand Habanero Ham
- Old Country Brand Rosemary Tomato Ham
- Old Country Brand Black Forest Ham
- Old Country Brand Canadian Style Bacon
- Old Country Brand Cappy Ham
- Old Country Brand Hot Butt Cappy Ham
- Old Country Brand Seasoned Fresh Ham
- Old Country Brand Sweet Slice Smoked Ham
- Old Country Brand Tavern Ham
Are Other Boar’s Head Products Affected?
Boar’s Head has confirmed that its turkey products, prepackaged deli meats, and deli-counter-sliced turkey, chicken, or roast beef are not part of the recall. Additionally, the recall does not include any of the brand’s cheeses.
Understanding the Listeria Risk
Listeria can be a challenging pathogen to control in food production environments. It can form biofilms, which are resistant to standard sanitization methods, making it difficult to eradicate. Deli meats, with their protein content, neutral pH, and moisture, provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
While cooking can kill most bacteria, including listeria, it remains a persistent risk in refrigerated products. The CDC advises that refrigeration alone may not fully prevent listeria growth and suggests regular cleaning of refrigerators to reduce the risk of contamination.
For further details and updates on the recall, consumers can visit the Boar’s Head website or check with local food safety authorities.
