COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents to avoid Boar's Head deli meats that have been recalled following a national Listeria outbreak as they may have contributed to two deaths in the Lowcountry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating the Listeria outbreak since July. During that time, the outbreak has led to 43 hospitalizations and three deaths across 13 states and a recall of over 70 Boar's Head and Old Country brand name products, totaling over 7 million pounds.
"Unfortunately, an outbreak of Listeria has reached our state, and is potentially the cause of two deaths here,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “We want to ensure South Carolinians are aware of this outbreak and that everyone takes necessary steps to avoid consuming products that could be the source of infection.”
To avoid Listeria, DPH and CDC suggests:
- Do not eat recalled meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
- Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.
- Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats.
Symptoms of Listeria usually start within 2 weeks after eating contaminated food, but other factors can stretch that range from as early as the same day to 10 weeks. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. It can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in their newborn.
CDC always recommends people at higher risk for listeriosis avoid eating meats sliced at the deli or heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.
Delis that received recalled meats should thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service also advises businesses to use best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
For up-to-date information on the Listeria outbreak, visit the CDC website.