Publix recalls Boar’s Head products due to listeria risk. What you need to know

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Boar’s Head has recalled many of its deli meat products due to possible listeria contamination, resulting in Publix pulling the product from its shelves nationwide.

Publix issued a recall for select Boar’s Head products on July 26, 2024. Officials say Boar’s Head is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

The recall originated with Boar’s Head ready-to-eat liverwurst and now other deli meats produced on the same line and the same day have also been recalled.

Publix officials say the products subject to recall were distributed nationwide to retail deli locations:

• “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024
• “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell-by date “AUG 15”
• “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell-by date “AUG 10”

According to the Publix website, the problem was discovered when the FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The department then collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections.

Officials say further investigation is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the multi-state L. monocytogenes outbreak. Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, according to health officials.

As of July 25, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. 

According to the CDC, listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems.