This guidance can help people—especially those in vulnerable groups—stay safe until this outbreak is over, CRs experts say
Update as of Sept. March 13, 2024: Boar’s Head said today that it will stop making liverwurst, a deli product that was found to be contaminated with listeria and linked to 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths in 18 states. The company also said it has indefinitely closed its Jarratt, Virginia, plant where liverwurst was produced.
Update as of Aug. 8, 2024: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nine more cases of listeria linked to recalled deli meats. This brings the total number of cases and hospitalizations to 43. The CDC also said that a third person had died.
Consumer Reports food safety experts say that pregnant women, very young children, older people, and people with weak immune systems shouldn’t eat any deli-sliced meats, including Boar’s Head deli meat. They also say that recalled Boar’s Head packaged meat products should also not be eaten because they could be contaminated with listeria. To be safe, everyone—not just those in these vulnerable groups—may want to avoid these products for now.
Some Boar’s Head products are linked to an ongoing listeria outbreak. People in these high-risk groups can get listeriosis, an infection caused by the listeria bacteria, which can kill them. Pregnant women can also lose their babies.
The company has recalled more than 7 million pounds of packaged and deli-sliced meats (PDF) after saying that a strain of listeria found on a Boar’s Head liverwurst product in a Baltimore-area deli matched the strain that caused the outbreak. Not all Boar’s Head products have been recalled, but a lot of them have. The liverwurst was processed in the company’s Jarrett, Va. facility, and Boar’s Head said in a statement that all meats from that facility have been recalled and that they have temporarily stopped making all of their usual “ready-to-eat” foods.
“If you are in one of these high-risk groups and have a Boar’s Head packaged meat product in your fridge and can’t tell if it’s been recalled or not, throw it out. You should play it safe until the outbreak is over,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at CR. Any recalled product can also be returned to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety research and testing at CR, says that after throwing away any recalled meat or deli-sliced meat of unknown origin, you should also clean your fridge and everything the meat touched very well.
The safest thing to do right now is to stay away from all deli sandwiches and meats that are sliced at the counter. This is especially true for people who are already at a high risk. That’s because Boar’s Head deli meats that are part of this recall and are cut on a slicer in a grocery store, deli, or bodega could contaminate the equipment and counters, Rogers says. The contamination could then easily spread to other deli meats, cheese, and leafy greens.
Boar’s Head has long been a popular brand for premium deli meats known for quality and taste. But some concerning factors have led many to question if Boar’s Head turkey is actually bad for your health.
With wary consumers left wondering if these convenient lunch meats are secretly harmful, it’s important to take a closer look at the key issues involved.
Why the Controversy?
There are 3 main aspects of Boar’s Head turkey that have sparked doubts:
Sodium Content
The #1 concern is the high sodium content, which poses risks like increased blood pressure. Boar’s Head turkey contains 350-460 mg sodium per serving – far above the American Heart Association’s 140 mg recommendation.
While Boar’s Head offers some lower sodium options, most varieties still exceed the ideal range. For those monitoring sodium Boar’s Head may not be the best choice.
Nitrates/Nitrites
Like many processed meats, Boar’s Head contains nitrates and nitrites These preservatives enhance color and prevent bacterial growth
However, research suggests overconsumption of these compounds may increase cancer and heart disease risk. The level of risk remains debated, but it’s a valid consideration.
Boar’s Head states they use nitrates/nitrites conservatively. Some products like oven-roasted turkey have no added nitrates/nitrites.
Highly Processed Factor
The WHO classifies all processed meats as potentially carcinogenic, recommending limited intake. This raises concerns about lunch meats like Boar’s Head.
It’s true that highly processed and preserved meats may pose health issues in excess. But Boar’s Head undergoes relatively minimal processing compared to more heavily preserved options.
The Bottom Line: Is Boar’s Head Turkey Unhealthy?
The answer isn’t black and white. While valid concerns exist, Boar’s Head turkey can be part of a balanced diet when chosen carefully and eaten in moderation.
Tips for Healthier Enjoyment:
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Choose lower sodium varieties
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Limit portions to 2-3 oz
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Eat just 2-3 times per week
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Pair with veggies for nutrients
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Opt for oven roasted when possible
And those with specific conditions like hypertension should consult their doctor.
Ultimately, balance is key. Consumed responsibly as part of varied nutrition, Boar’s Head turkey can play a role in support of overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boar’s Head turkey gluten free?
Yes, Boar’s Head turkey contains no gluten ingredients, making it safe for gluten free diets.
Does Boar’s Head turkey contain preservatives?
Most Boar’s Head turkey does contain nitrates/nitrites to prevent bacterial growth. But some varieties are uncured without these preservatives.
Is Boar’s Head or Foster Farms turkey better?
This depends on priorities. Boar’s Head offers more variety and premium quality. But some Foster Farms may be lower sodium. Comparing nutrition labels is recommended.
Is Boar’s Head turkey processed?
Yes, Boar’s Head turkey is processed to extend shelf life. But it undergoes less processing than more heavily preserved options.
Can I eat Boar’s Head turkey while pregnant?
Pregnant women can eat Boar’s Head turkey, preferably lower sodium kinds. But consult your doctor about dietary recommendations during pregnancy.
Does Boar’s Head turkey contain antibiotics or hormones?
No. All Boar’s Head turkey is raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics.
Boar’s Head turkey can be safely enjoyed as part of balanced eating habits focused on moderation and smart choices. With some care, it can play a role in a healthy lifestyle.
Recalled Boar’s Head Packaged Meats
Elizabeth Ward, spokesperson for Boar’s Head confirmed that of the 72 products recalled (see a full list), the following are those sold in the U.S. as prepackaged products on store shelves. (Many of the recalled items are meats sliced behind a deli counter.)
These packaged products will have “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Note that some product details were not yet available at the time of publication.
| Product Name | Size | Sell-By Dates | Package Code |
| Liverwurst Pate | 8 oz. | 02-AUG-24-12-SEP-24 | 042421258103 |
| Canadian Style Uncured Bacon | 1.6 oz. | 31-JUL-24-09-SEP-24 | 1 |
| Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing | 14 oz. | 31-JUL-24-15-SEP-24 | 042421140101 |
| Uncured Beef Frankfurters | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Uncured Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing | 14 oz. | 31-JUL-24-13-SEP-24 | 1 |
| Uncured Cocktail Frankfurters | 12 oz. | 31-JUL-24-11-SEP-24 | 042421044171 |
| Uncured Beef Knockwurst | 1 lb. | 30-JUL-24-14-SEP-24 | 042421000085 |
| Bratwurst | 1 lb. | 29-JUL-24-17-OCT-24 | 042421246803 |
| Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage | 1 lb. | 01-AUG-24-14-SEP-24 | 042421003659 |
| Uncured Kielbasa | 16 oz. | 02-AUG-24-15-SEP-24 | 042421140064 |
| All Natural Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage | 12 oz. | 29-JUL-24-17-OCT-24 | 042421140330 |
| Old Country Brand Canadian Style Bacon | 1 | 1-JUL-24-04-SEP-24 | 1 |
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the outbreak has caused 34 illnesses, with 33 people who have been hospitalized and two people who have died. Those who were sickened were located in New York (12), Maryland (6), Georgia (2), Massachusetts (2), Missouri (2), New Jersey (2), Virginia (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (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.
Those symptoms can include fever, and experiencing muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.