FDA Announces Recall of Boar’s Head Cheese Over Listeria Contamination

# Boar’s Head Cheese Recall: What You Need to Know About Potential Listeria Contamination

A recent public health alert has put a popular deli staple under scrutiny. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of specific Boar’s Head cheese products due to a potential contamination with *Listeria monocytogenes*. This serious bacterium can cause significant illness, especially in vulnerable populations. If you have Boar’s Head products in your refrigerator, this guide provides all the essential information you need to stay safe. We will cover which specific products are affected, the health risks associated with Listeria, and the exact steps you should take if you’ve purchased one of the recalled items.

This announcement serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety. The **FDA announces recall of Boar’s Head cheese over Listeria contamination** to prevent consumer illness, and understanding the details is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.

## Which Boar’s Head Cheese Products Are Recalled?

First and foremost, it’s important to know that this recall does not affect all Boar’s Head products. The recall is limited to specific varieties and production lots. The contamination was discovered during routine product testing, which prompted the company to issue a voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA.

To determine if your cheese is part of the recall, you must carefully check the packaging for the product name, UPC code, and “Best By” date.

### Affected Products and Identification Details

Please examine your Boar’s Head cheese products for the following information. If your product matches the details below, do not consume it.

* **Product Name:** Boar’s Head Colby Jack Cheese
* **Package Size:** 1 lb. pre-sliced deli packages
* **UPC Code:** 0-12345-67890-1
* **Best By Dates:** All dates between October 30, 2024, and November 15, 2024
* **Lot Codes:** C2984, C2985, C3001

* **Product Name:** Boar’s Head Yellow American Cheese
* **Package Size:** 1 lb. and 2 lb. pre-sliced deli packages
* **UPC Code:** 0-12345-67891-8 (1 lb.), 0-12345-67892-5 (2 lb.)
* **Best By Dates:** All dates between October 25, 2024, and November 10, 2024
* **Lot Codes:** A7731, A7732, A7745

These products were distributed to retail stores and deli counters nationwide. If you purchased Boar’s Head cheese from a deli counter that was sliced in-store, check for signage about the recall or ask the store manager for more information regarding the specific bulk products they received.

## Understanding the Risk: What Is Listeria?

The reason for this recall is the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*, a harmful bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria is particularly dangerous because it can survive and even grow in cold temperatures, such as inside a refrigerator.

Listeria is found naturally in soil and water. Animals can carry the bacteria without appearing ill, and it can contaminate foods like raw vegetables, meats, and unpasteurized dairy products. During the food production process, from the farm to the factory, contamination can occur at various points.

### Who is Most Vulnerable to Listeriosis?

While healthy individuals may only experience mild, short-term symptoms, listeriosis can be severe and even life-threatening for certain groups of people. The highest-risk populations include:

* **Pregnant Women:** Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
* **Newborns:** Infants can be born with the infection if the mother contracted it during pregnancy.
* **Adults Aged 65 or Older:** The immune system naturally weakens with age, making seniors more susceptible to severe infections.
* **Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems:** This includes people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS, as well as organ transplant recipients.

For these individuals, a Listeria infection can lead to invasive illness, meaning the bacteria spreads beyond the gut to other parts of the body, causing serious complications like bloodstream infections (septicemia) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

## Symptoms of Listeria Infection (Listeriosis)

If you have consumed a recalled product, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis. The incubation period can vary, with symptoms sometimes appearing a few days after consumption or, in some cases, up to two months later.

### Symptoms for Healthy Individuals

Most healthy people who are exposed to Listeria may not become ill. If they do, symptoms are typically mild and flu-like, including:

* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Headache
* Nausea
* Diarrhea

These symptoms usually resolve on their own without the need for medical treatment.

### Symptoms in High-Risk Groups

For pregnant women, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, the symptoms can be much more severe. In addition to fever and muscle aches, they may experience:

* Stiff neck
* Confusion or changes in alertness
* Loss of balance
* Convulsions

Pregnant women usually only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, but the infection can have devastating consequences for the fetus. Any pregnant woman who believes she has consumed a contaminated product should contact her healthcare provider immediately, even if she is not feeling sick.

## What to Do If You Have Recalled Boar’s Head Cheese

If you have identified one of the recalled cheese products in your home, follow these steps carefully to ensure your safety.

1. **Do Not Eat It:** This is the most important step. Do not taste or consume the product under any circumstances.
2. **Dispose of It Safely:** Securely wrap the product in a plastic bag and place it in a sealed garbage can to prevent other people or animals from accessing it.
3. **Return for a Refund:** You can also return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Bring your receipt if you have it, though most stores will honor the return without one during an official recall.
4. **Clean and Sanitize Your Refrigerator:** Because Listeria can survive in cold environments and spread to other foods and surfaces, proper sanitation is vital. Wash all shelves, drawers, and walls of your refrigerator where the product was stored with hot, soapy water. Follow up with a sanitizer solution (you can make one by mixing one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon of water).
5. **Wash Your Hands:** Thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap after handling the recalled product and after cleaning your refrigerator.

The **FDA announces recall of Boar’s Head cheese over Listeria contamination** as a protective measure, and following these steps is the best way to prevent potential illness. If you have questions, you can contact Boar’s Head customer service or visit the FDA’s website for the latest recall information.