9 deaths in Listeria outbreak from recalled deli meat: Has it affected Ohio?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers after more illnesses and deaths were reported in a listeria outbreak linked to a recall of ready-to-eat meats and poultry products.

As of Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed a total of 57 people were hospitalized and 9 deaths have been reported in several states across the country. States with confirmed cases include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Deaths have occurred in Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The CDC called Listeria a "hardy germ" and warned that it "can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures."

After an initial July 26, 2024, recall of deli meats that could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on its website a recall of an additional seven million pounds of packaged meat and poultry items along with deli-sliced meat four days later.

The 71 Boar’s Head and Old Country branded items were produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, with “sell by” dates ranging from 29-JUL-2024 through 17-OCT-24. Retail locations nationwide received the merchandise with the "establishment number 'EST. 12612' or 'P-12612' inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels," FSIS noted.

The issue was uncovered by the Maryland Department of Health when a liverwurst sample tested positive for L. monocytogenes. By July 30, an alarming 34 people became sick in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. 

While the contaminated meat could have been distributed to Ohio, so far, none of the recorded illnesses or deaths have been reported in the state. The FSIS detailed important information about listeriosis:

Symptoms of listeriosis:
• Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Invasive infection:
• Can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
Effects on pregnant people:
• Can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
High-risk groups:
• Older adults and those with weakened immune systems may experience serious or fatal infections.
Treatment:
• Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
• If experiencing flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food, seek medical care and inform the healthcare provider about the contaminated food.

The CDC provided this information on what people should do if they find recalled products:

• Do not eat recalled deli products. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
• People who are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria, such as those who are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system, should always avoid eating meats sliced at deli counters, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of Listeria and recently ate meats sliced at deli counters.
• Businesses that received recalled meats should take extra precautions like cleaning and sanitizing and throwing away opened sliced meats and cheeses at delis. Businesses should also follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.