Check your fridge: CDC warns against eating recalled deli meat as deadly listeria outbreak expands

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging the public to avoid consuming recalled deli meats due to a listeria outbreak. Boar’s Head issued a recall for over 7.2 million pounds of ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products over concerns of listeria contamination. The CDC has reported an increase in listeriosis cases in recent weeks, with a total of 57 people hospitalized and nine deaths across 18 states. The outbreak is the largest since 2011. The CDC advises consumers to check their kitchens for recalled products and recommends heating deli meats before consumption. People at higher risk, including pregnant individuals, those over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid deli meats unless heated thoroughly. Listeriosis symptoms can take up to 10 weeks to develop and may include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, stiff neck, headache, confusion, or seizures. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.