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Amid an ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats, infectious disease expert Dr. Suraj Kumar Saggar warns that the bacteria could remain in the New Jersey food chain for an undetermined period. This is due to listeria's ability to survive refrigeration, making it crucial to thoroughly wash foods, including organic ones.
The outbreak has led to an expanded recall of Boar's Head and Old Country brands, with an additional 3,500 tons of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items included. The recall now covers 71 different products produced between May 10 and July 29, with sell-by dates extending from July 29 to October 17, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The listeria outbreak has affected at least 34 individuals across 13 states, resulting in two deaths. The recalled products were distributed nationwide and exported to Mexico, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. They can be identified by the establishment number "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" located within the USDA inspection mark on their labels.
Dr. Nidhi Kumar, a cardiovascular disease specialist, told CBS New York that listeria is a resilient bacterium, capable of surviving in both freezer and refrigerator conditions.
Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. It poses serious risks, especially to pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms generally appear two weeks after consuming contaminated food but can range from the same day to 10 weeks later. Listeria infections are treated with antibiotics.