New Warning About Deli Meat Sold in NJ

Several weeks ago, we reported that The Centers for Disease Control had warned people who buy sliced deli meat of a Listeria outbreak tied to deli meat sold in several states, including New Jersey.

Read More:  Deli Meat Warning: CDC Alerts Public On Listeria Outbreak (wfpg.com)

There were two confirmed deaths and over two dozen illnesses reported.

Since that report, authorities have reported another death bringing the total to three and the number of illnesses has grown to at least 43.

The outbreak's source appears to be Boar's Head brand deli meats sliced in the stores.

The CDC reports that Boar's Head has recalled all deli products, including their pre-packaged deli meats.

If you have purchased any Boar's Head pre-packaged products, look for the markings EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on the labels of the products.

The CDC says,

Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminate with Listeria. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats.

 

People Who Are at Risk

Healthy people aren't typically affected.

However, for pregnant women, and older people with compromised immune systems, Listeria could be very serious and in some cases fatal.

What are the Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Symptoms of those infected with Listeria may include. fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.

In more serious cases, the disease can cause confusion, loss of balance, and even convulsions.

People who are infected may show signs within a couple of days or up to 30 days after being infected.

Refrigerating or freezing the deli meat isn't enough to kill the bacteria.  Only food cooked at a very high temperature will kill it.

The bacteria doesn't have a smell and you can't see the bacteria on the food.

The CDC says the three deaths were reported in New Jersey, Illinois, and Virginia.

It is believed that the actual number of people who took ill, is probably higher than what's been reported.