Since Boar’s Head recalled their meat earlier this summer, almost 60 people have been hospitalized, and 10 have died. Nearly 700 pounds of ready-to-eat meat have had possible listeria contamination, and things aren’t looking too good for Boar’s Head right now. Following the news of the latest death linked to the outbreak, this time in New York, lawmakers are pushing for an investigation by the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Justice to determine if the company should face criminal charges.
What’s Listeria?
Listeria is a particularly nasty foodborne bacteria, which causes listeriosis. Symptoms can be all over the place, ranging from mild to flu-like, but it’s particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Common symptoms include fever, muscle ache, fatigue, and nausea.
Which Boar’s Head Meats Have Been Affected?
A whole lot, actually, including Boar’s Head’s “Old Country” brand. Here’s everything that’s been recalled:
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
- 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
Bacon
- Canadian Style Uncured Bacon
- Steakhouse Roasted Slab Bacon
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
Old Country Products
- 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
Where Was the Contaminated Boar’s Head Sold?
According to the CDC, 18 states have been affected by the outbreak:
- New York
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Missouri
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
Luckily, most sandwich chains don’t use Boar’s Head, but your grocery store deli counter might.
What Hasn’t Been Recalled?
According to the Boar’s Head statement about the recall, if you’ve got Deli-sliced turkey, chicken, roast beef, charcuterie, or cheese, you’re in the clear.
What Should I Do If I Have Recalled Meat?
Obviously, do not eat any meats that have been recalled by Boar’s Head. Most supermarkets will honor a refund, and in this case, usually without proof of receipt. You can also always submit any information you have to the USDA.
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