Listeria outbreaks have been a significant issue across the United States this year, leading to hundreds of hospitalizations and multiple deaths. Various food products, including deli meat, peanuts, mushrooms, and dog food, have been linked to these outbreaks. One of the largest outbreaks is tied to Boar’s Head Deli meat, with 59 people hospitalized and 10 deaths reported in 19 states. Other companies like BrucePac and BrightFarms have also experienced recalls and outbreaks due to listeria contamination in 2024. The Boar’s Head facility in Virginia has been closed, and the liverwurst product has been permanently discontinued, with investigations ongoing. Other recalls related to listeria contamination from companies like BrucePac, BrightFarms, Planters Peanuts, and ANSWERS Pet Food have also been reported.
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, particularly for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and pregnant people. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections in newborn infants are also possible outcomes of listeria poisoning. People in high-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms after consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their exposure. The only deaths reported from listeria outbreaks this year are from the Boar’s Head outbreak, with ten deaths reported as of September 23 by the CDC.
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