Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats Sold Nationwide

You may want to think twice before stopping by the deli counter at your local grocery store. According to a recent announcement from The Centers for Disease Control, there is currently a nationwide Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats sold nationwide.

Thus far, the outbreak has led to 28 reported illnesses and 28 hospitalizations across 12 states, as well as two deaths, though the actual number of people affected by this outbreak is likely much higher. The states that have been impacted so far are Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

This deadly outbreak, which began in May, is still ongoing. While the CDC has yet to identify what deli product (or products) has caused the outbreak, the agency notes that “many people in this outbreak are reporting eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters.” Still, the outbreak has yet to be linked to any formal recalls.

Per the CDC’s announcement, Listeria among deli meat is not uncommon. “Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food,” the agency declared. “Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats.” 

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.

So, what should shoppers do? According to the CDC’s guidelines, anyone who is pregnant, 65 or older, or has a weakened immune system should not eat meats that have been sliced at any deli counter, unless the meat has been reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, or until steaming hot. Additionally, since Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, anyone in the above groups should clean their fridge, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats. If you’ve recently eaten deli meat and start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your healthcare provider immediately.