The listeria outbreak in deli meats has led to several hospitalisations and nine deaths across US states. The outbreak was first reported in July when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that two people have died due to a listeria outbreak across 12 states in the US. According to a report in NDTV, the outbreak has led to at least 57 hospitalisations and nine deaths in 18 states since the CDC initially reported it on July 19.

The nine deaths have been reported across South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico and New York. The National Public Health Agency of the United States has confirmed that this is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak.

The agency has also urged citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding the outbreak. They said, “Everyone should check their homes for any remaining recalled Boar's Head products since they can have a long shelf life. Look for ‘EST. 12612’ or ‘P-12612’ inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Some of the products have sold by dates into October 2024."

Listeria Infection, also known as listeriosis is a foodborne illness. Listeria monocytogenes cause listeriosis and it is commonly found in soil, groundwater, rotting vegetation and animal faeces (poop). Most people get infected from eating contaminated foods. It usually takes one to two weeks to show symptoms, however, in some cases, it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

The infection can be deadly for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people rarely get ill but the disease can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns and people with weakened immune systems.

The bacteria is killed by heat, so make sure meat, poultry and seafood are cooked to the appropriate temperatures. You can also use a food thermometer to confirm that foods reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Store perishable items, like dairy and meat promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Wash all of fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers with a brush to remove bacteria.

Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, hot dogs and smoked seafood as these are common sources of Listeria bacteria.

Frequently clean countertops, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water, especially after handling raw food. This reduces cross-contamination risks.

Consume your leftovers within three to four days. Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before eating to kill any bacteria that may have grown.

Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods like salads and bread. This prevents the spread of Listeria from contaminated surfaces to safe foods.

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