Nationwide listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products

By Adam Sadik •

Since July 2024, a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products has raised alarms nationwide, in which recalls have been issued for a variety of deli meats and cheeses. This situation concerned consumers and health officials alike.

Many students, like Adhvika Saravanan, junior biology major, are worried about the safety of their meals and the potential health risks associated with consuming listeria contaminated products.

“I have heard of listeria and its severity. Although I do not eat all types of meat, I think it is scary to hear about it in Boar’s Head deli products,” Saravanan said. “It should be advertised more to make sure those that are eating there are educated on the potential of contracting it.”

Aarti Raja, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and The Current’s health desk adviser, agrees that the bacteria should be a cause for concern.

“It is basically a condition of the GI tract where the person can have abdominal cramps and any kind of gastrointestinal problems that go hand in hand with listeriosis,” Raja said. “There are certain people that are more prone to this disease, especially pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The usual problems are fever, muscle ache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.”

Boar’s Head shared on its website that the cause for this outbreak has been traced to its Jarratt, Virginia plant.

“Usually the organism [Listeria monocytogenes] is naturally found in the soil and sometimes water samples that may be contaminated with the fecal material,” Raja said. “It is usually from the machines that they use to kind of cut the meat and if the organism is just there, it has the ability to spread around.”

For students who are concerned, Raja recommends them to clean out their refrigerator and avoid eating the recalled products listed on www.boarshead.com.

“Pay attention when you are buying your dairy and meat. Grocery stores tend to put out recall information, but it is best to check the FDA and USDA’s website for more information,” Raja said. “Clean up the refrigerator where you might have kept that product that you bought. Disinfect it, remove all the food, clean it out entirely and then put the rest of your food back in.”