Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Deli Meats Spreads

Three people have died and 43 others are sick due to a listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats. The CDC confirmed the deaths, with cases reported in multiple states. Boar's Head has recalled millions of pounds of deli meats, and legal actions are underway.

An ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats has claimed three lives and sickened 43 people, according to federal food safety officials on Thursday.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the latest death occurred in Virginia, while the others were in New Jersey and Illinois. The CDC also announced nine more cases since July 31, bringing the total to 43 since the outbreak began in late May.

Boar's Head has expanded its recall of 7 million pounds of deli meats after a liverwurst sample tested positive for listeria. The recall now includes more than 70 products made at the company's Virginia plant. The contaminated meat was distributed both nationwide and to several international locations.

Boar's Head is currently facing two lawsuits regarding the outbreak. The CDC advises consumers to discard or return any recalled products and to thoroughly clean refrigerators to prevent further contamination.

The CDC estimates that 1,600 people annually contract listeria food poisoning, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. Symptoms range from fever and muscle aches to severe infections, particularly dangerous for the elderly, immune-compromised individuals, and pregnant people.