Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat, CDC Says

Because no products have been implicated yet, there are no recalls. 

As of July 19, two states had the largest numbers of people sickened as part of this outbreak: New York (7) and Maryland (6). Cases have also been identified in Georgia (2), Massachusetts (2), Missouri (2), New Jersey (2), Virginia (2), Illinois (1), Minnesota (1), North Carolina (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Wisconsin (1). The true number of people (and states) affected by this outbreak may be greater, the CDC says, because some people may fall ill without being tested for listeria, and others may not yet be showing symptoms.

Listeria can cause serious infections in infants and older people, and stillbirths in those who are pregnant. Symptoms include having a fever, and experiencing muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

“The safest bet is for pregnant people to always avoid sliced deli meats,” says Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety research and testing at CR. If you must consume them, says Mujahid, heat them to 165° F, which kills the bacteria. The current outbreak makes this guidance for pregnant people even more critical. 

Listeria is a hardy bacteria that thrives in cold temperatures, explains James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety and testing at CR. “Once it contaminates any food processing equipment or the environment, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate it, and it can contaminate the foods that the equipment comes in contact with.” 

While this outbreak is underway, not only pregnant people but also young children and older adults in the states where the illnesses have occurred may also want to avoid all deli meats, says Rogers.