The fallout from the listeria outbreak in Boar’s Head continues, and Stop & Shop announces that all deli stores will remain temporarily closed until the situation is resolved.
The New York Post reports that the potentially contaminated meat was produced at a Virginia plant from June 11 to July 17 and distributed across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a sample of Boar’s Head liver sausage from Maryland tested positive for listeria.
According to the USDA, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. has removed about 100 tons of its popular sausage products from its range, including liver sausage products that may have been contaminated with listeria bacteria.
Stop & Shop announced on July 30 that all affected products would be removed from the company’s deli departments. The retailer also announced that it would throw away any meat and cheese that may have been cut or processed in the same place as the affected products.
“As always, ensuring the safety of the products we sell is our highest priority,” Stop & Shop said in a statement to the outlet.
The listeria outbreak in Boar’s Head was first discovered last month. Since the end of May, 43 sick people have been hospitalized in 13 states.
There were two deaths in New Jersey and Illinois. And on August 9, the CDC confirmed that a third death was due to listeria contamination.
“All 43 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have since been reported, one in Illinois, one in New Jersey and, at this time, one in Virginia,” the CDC said in a statement.
According to official figures, the most commonly consumed foods were turkey slices, liver sausage and ham.
Food contaminated with listeria can make consumers sick. Fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea are some of the signs. Antibiotics can be used to treat it, but pregnant women, infants, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
The recalled meats include Boar’s Head Strassburger brand liver sausage, Cappy-style Italian ham, Cappy-style extra-hot Italian ham, bologna, beef salami, Heat & Eat steakhouse roasted bacon, garlic bologna and beef salami.
