Six More Deaths Reported in Multistate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday that six additional deaths have been reported in connection with a multistate listeria outbreak traced to Boar’s Head deli meat. This brings the total number of fatalities to nine, with over a dozen others sickened.

Since the outbreak began, 57 people have been hospitalized across 18 states, making it the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, when more than 30 people died from contaminated cantaloupe. On July 25, Boar’s Head issued a recall of its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, produced at its Jarratt, Virginia facility, after concerns arose about contamination with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was later expanded to include 7 million pounds of meat—every item produced at the facility.

In an August 15 update, Boar’s Head expressed their deep regret over the situation, stating, “Food safety is our absolute priority, and the health and well-being of our consumers are paramount. We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness.”

The deaths have been reported in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. The affected individuals range in age from 32 to 94, with a median age of 77.