Boar's Head recalled over 200,000 pounds of deli meat, including liverwurst and ham, after a sample tested positive for listeria, which has already hospitalised 33 and caused two deaths across 13 states.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, definitely earning their pay this week, is overseeing the massive recall, which includes products ranging from beef salami to roasted bacon. The trouble began when a single innocent liverwurst in Maryland tested positive for listeria, a bacteria with a resume that includes hospitalizing 33 and killing two nationwide. Consumers are urged to return or trash the dangerous meat, especially if they bought it between June 11 and July 17, 2024, because even the best ham sandwich isn't worth a trip to the ER.

Listeria isn't your average foodborne bacteria–it packs a punch that might even make your immune system consider new career options. With 33 hospitalizations and two tragic deaths, listeria's latest tour hit 13 states, leaving a trail of deli meat destruction in its wake. Not exactly the kind of headline Boar's Head had in mind when slicing your favorite lunch meats.

If you thought liverwurst was just an acquired taste, think again. This humble deli meat, along with ham, beef salami, bologna, and roasted bacon products, all share something new in common: a potential to wreak havoc on your health. The affected products, produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024, bear establishment numbers such as 'EST. 12612' and were distributed nationwide, ensuring that listeria wasn't playing favorites.

Boar's Head lovers should be particularly wary of liverwurst. The sell-by dates range from July 25 to August 30, and those dates are less about gourmet freshness now and more about avoiding a feverish misadventure, muscle aches, headaches, or, in severe cases, blood infection or meningitis. It's a reminder that not all expiration dates are created equal.

The origins of this unsavory outbreak trace back to the end of May 2024, when the first symptoms were reported. By July 5, the most recent case had been identified, making it clear that listeria wasn't in a hurry to pack up its bags. DNA fingerprinting revealed that the bacteria shared genetic similarities in the affected individuals, suggesting that their suffering had a single, sinister source.

The CDC, everyone's favorite source of unsettling advice, has issued recommendations for those of us at higher risk: Pregnant women, senior citizens aged 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems should steer clear of high-risk foods like deli meats unless they're willing to reheat them properly. The extra microwave time might feel tedious, but it beats a listeria-induced emergency room visit.

So, what should you do if your fridge is harboring any of these rogue products? The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service makes it crystal clear: Return them to the store or dispose of them. Yes, that means parting ways with your lunchtime staples, but think of it as a temporary breakup until safer products make a triumphant comeback.

While Boar's Head grapples with this meaty mess, consumers are left to ponder the fragility of their favorite sandwich fillings. It's a humbling reminder that even the most dependable deli meats can harbor unwelcome guests. As the investigation continues and authorities ensure the recall runs smoothly, one thing is certain: Listeria is one guest no one invited to the party.