Stop & Shop Shutters Delis After Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak fallout continues as Stop & Shop announces that all of its delis will be temporarily closed until the situation is resolved.

The New York Post is reporting that the possibly contaminated meats were produced from June 11 to July 17 at a facility in Virginia and distributed across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a sample of Maryland-sourced Boar’s Head liverwurst tested positive for listeria.

Per the USDA, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. removed about 100 tons of its well-liked deli meats, including liverwurst products that might have been contaminated with the listeria bacteria.

Stop & Shop made an announcement on July 30 stating that all affected products were being removed from the company’s in-store delis. The retailer also announced that it will toss out any meats and cheeses that might have been cut or processed in the same location as the impacted products.

“As always, ensuring the safety of the products we sell is our highest priority,” Stop & Shop said in a statement to the outlet.

The listeria outbreak at Boar’s Head was initially discovered last month. Since late May, 43 sick people have been hospitalized within 13 states.

In New Jersey and Illinois, there were two fatalities. And, on Aug. 9, the CDC confirmed that a third fatality came as a result of the listeria contamination.

“All 43 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have now been reported, one from Illinois, one from New Jersey, and, as of this update, one from Virginia,” the CDC said in a statement.

According to officials, the most often reported foods consumed were deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst, and ham.

Food contaminated by listeria can make consumers ill. Fever, aches in the muscles, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the signs. Antibiotics can be used to treat it, but pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

The recall meats include Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, Italian Cappy Style ham, Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham, Bologna, Beef Salami, Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat, Garlic Bologna, and Beef Bologna.