Onondaga County Health Department Alerts Residents About Nationwide Recall of Boar’s Head Deli Meats

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JULY 30, 2024 – The Onondaga County Health Department advises residents to immediately check their refrigerators for Boar’s Head deli meats following a nationwide recall due to a potential Listeria Monocytogenes contamination. This recall affects several products distributed by Boar’s Head and could pose a serious health risk.

The recall includes specific Boar’s Head deli meat products sold nationwide. For a complete list of affected products, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co–recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products and see the labels here.

Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, confirmed today that one case of Listeria monocytogenes has been identified in the county. “Listeria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Anderson. “We urge residents and food service operators to check their deli meat products and dispose of any that are part of the recall. If you have any symptoms or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.”

Food Service Operators That Received Recalled Items

  • Thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces.
  • Throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) advises delis not to use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli meats and cheeses.
  • Always follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
  • Food service operators may contact the Division of Environmental Health, Food Protection Section at (315) 435-6607 or by email at foodprotection@ongov.net for further guidance.

About Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as meningitis or septicemia. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. The risk of listeria is the reason it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products, soft cheeses (pasteurized and unpasteurized), deli meats, and smoked fish.

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