A listeria outbreak linked to Boars Head deli
meats has led to a recall of seven million pounds of products due to contamination
found during inspections at the Jarratt, Virginia plant. The bacteria, Listeria
monocytogenes, can be deadly and is often contracted through contaminated foods or
surfaces touched before mouth contact. As a result of this outbreak, nine deaths and
dozens of hospitalizations have been reported, with warnings issued for consumers to discard
affected products still in refrigerators. Pregnant women, adults over 65, and those
with weakened immune systems are most at risk.