A listeria epidemic associated with deli meat items prompted Big Y and Stop & Shop supermarket locations, including those in Massachusetts, to temporarily close their delis for several hours on Friday.
According to a representative for the retailer, all Stop & Shop delis reopened on Friday night following extensive cleaning. Every product that was affected by the Boar’s Head recall has been taken out.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Stop & Shop made the decision to temporarily close our delis today to conduct this cleaning and product removal,” the company stated. “Ensuring the safety of the products we sell is our highest priority, and our deli associates are ready to serve our communities.
By 6 p.m., every Big Y deli had reopened.
“We are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution for our customers’ safety,” John Fraro, senior director of fresh foods at Big Y stated. “To make sure we are breaking the supply chain, we will also be disposing of all product that may have come in contact with the affected products. We will continue to be vigilant and take precautions to prevent future incidents.”
Which goods are under recall?
A recall has been issued by Boar’s Head for liverwurst that was prepared between June 11 and July 17. There are also “Board’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst” loaves weighing 3.5 pounds that come in plastic packaging, with expiration dates ranging from July 25 to August 30.
The following Boar’s Head items, according to the USDA, were also affected:
- Beef Salami
- Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat
- Garlic Bologna
- Beef Bologna
- Virginia Ham Old-Fashioned Ham
- Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Bologna
The CDC reports that 34 people in 12 states, including two in Massachusetts, have become ill as a result of the listeria outbreak. Nationwide, there have also been two deaths.
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Flu, sore muscles, and fatigue can all be brought on by listeria. It poses a particular risk to those who are immune system compromised, pregnant, or older than 65.
“GI symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,” Dr. Shira Doron, the chief infection control officer at Tufts stated. “Or you may just skip right to fever, body aches that represents the fact that the organism is in your bloodstream. Some people can get meningitis and so that will manifest as headaches, stiff neck, confusion, even seizures. And then pregnant women can actually have a miscarriage, preterm labor or stillbirth.”
