Sliced meats at delis linked to listeria outbreak across 12 states | Image Credit: © Pixel-Shot - © Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 19, 2023, a Listeria outbreak linked to meats sliced at delis has resulted in 2 deaths and 28 hospitalizations across 12 states. A CDC investigation is underway with no active recall in place, as investigators continue to collect information.¹

According to the CDC, "many people in this outbreak [have reported] eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters." The report stated investigators are collecting information to determine specific products that could be contaminated, and noted that "Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food. Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats."¹

Recently, deli meats, a lunchtime staple for children and adults alike among households across the nation, have been under question regarding safety with whispers of cancer risk.

Related: Pediatric nutrition notes: Is deli meat safe?

The agency recommends people at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, those aged 65 years and older, and those with weakened immune systems, avoid eating meats sliced at the deli, or heat them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.¹

As of July 19, 2024, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are states with at least 1 sick person as a result of Listeria. New York had the most number of sick people with 7, followed by Maryland with 6. All other states had at least 1 case but none had more than 2, though the CDC stated the outbreak "may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria."¹

For those who are pregnant, Listeria can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection to the newborn. Typically, symptoms of Listeria begin within 2 weeks after eating contaminated food, but symptoms could start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Pregnant people usually have fever, tiredness, and muscle aches according to the CDC. Among the 28 individuals infected, 27 reported age demographics, revealing that those infected are between 32 and 94 years of age.¹

Of the 18 people interviewed by state and local public health officials, 16 reported eating meats sliced at a deli from a variety of supermarket and grocery store delis.¹

Visit the CDC's website for the latest information regarding the Listeria outbreak linked to meat sliced at delis.¹

References:

1. Listeria outbreak linked to meats sliced at Delis. CDC. Updated July 19, 2024. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html
2. Sloan, C. Pediatric nutrition notes: Is deli meat safe? Contemporary Pediatrics. July 10, 2024. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/pediatric-nutrition-notes-is-deli-meat-safe-