There is a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections that includes Virginia and Maryland. The outbreak is associated with meats sliced at deli counters. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food.

Due to possible Listeria contamination, Boar's Head Provisions Co. has recalled ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products, including prepackaged meats, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Products have “sell by” dates ranging from July 25, 2024 – October 17, 2024. See this recall notice for details about all recalled products.

Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods. People who eat those foods can get infected with Listeria. The infection is called listeriosis. You are at higher risk for getting very sick if you are:

• Pregnant. A Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.
• Aged 65 or older or have weakened immune system. Listeria in these groups most often causes bloodstream infection or meningitis, an infection of the lining of the spinal cord.

Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

The CDC recommends the following actions.

• Do not eat recalled meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
• If you are at higher risk for listeriosis, do not eat any other deli meat you get sliced at deli counters, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. You can also choose safer foods to eat instead of deli meat.
• Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats.
• If you’ve eaten a food that’s been recalled or are at high risk for severe illness, watch for symptoms of a Listeria infection and call your doctor if you develop these symptoms.
  • People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
  • Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
  • Anyone who has a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sensitivity to light should seek emergency care immediately. These signs and symptoms can indicate bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication of a Listeria infection.

Additional information

• Visit the CDC outbreak website for the most up to date information.
• See a full product list and product labels.
• See what the Virginia Department of Health is doing.
• Learn more about Listeria from the CDC and from the FDA.
• Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on this and other food safety topics.