Dive Brief:
- Several regional grocers are taking action in response to the recall of select Boar’s Head Provision deli meats due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Stop & Shop, Big Y, Giant Food, and The Giant Company have announced measures such as cleaning delis, removing affected products, and discarding items that may have been in contact with the contaminated products. Big Y has also temporarily closed its deli counters.
- The grocers’ actions coincide with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) alerting consumers about a positive Listeria test on Boar’s Head’s liverwurst product.
Dive Insight:
The four grocery chains are following USDA recommendations to prioritize shopper health and safety.
Ahold Delhaize banners are disposing of recalled products, as well as other deli meats and cheeses from the same area, and conducting thorough cleaning of deli equipment.
Big Y is closing its delis to remove and sanitize impacted products, ensuring a clean environment for customers.
Customers who purchased potentially contaminated deli items are advised to discard or return them and sanitize their refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination.
In addition to the recalled liverwurst, other affected Boar’s Head products include Virginia old fashioned ham, Italian cappy style ham, beef salami, and bologna with sell-by dates between July 25 and Aug. 30.
The Maryland Department of Health found the Listeria contamination and is working with FSIS to determine if it is linked to a broader outbreak.
FSIS, CDC, and state health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections associated with deli-sliced meats.
Catherine Douglas Moran contributed to this report.