Listeria Outbreak: What You Need to Know About the nearly 12 Million-Pound Meat Recall

A listeria outbreak has prompted a massive meat recall across the United States, impacting products at some of the most popular grocery retailers across the country, including Walmart, Publix, Target, Aldi, Amazon, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalled 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can cause illness and even death. Brands whose products are part of the recall include BrucePac, Taylor Farms, Boston Market, 7-Eleven, and Rao’s. The USDA disclosed the impacted products in a 326-page list last week.

Here’s what you should know now.

What do you do if you have a recalled product?

The USDA is urging consumers who bought recalled products to throw them away or return them to the store. Retailers with the products in stock have also been asked to stop selling them and dispose or return the goods.

What’s listeria?

Listeria is an infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria associated with the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. An estimated 1,600 people are infected with listeria each year. While most cases are mild, about 260 deaths are associated with the infection annually.

Who’s at risk?

Anyone can get sick from listeria, but these three groups are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill.

• Pregnant women
• Adults 65 or older
• People with weakened immune systems

What are the symptoms?

Listeria can make you sick to your stomach, but is mostly mild. Symptoms usually start within 24 hours after eating contaminated food, and typically last one to three days. Common symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
When the infection spreads beyond the stomach, the case can get complicated and potentially dangerous. Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and weakness
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

What should people at higher risk do to protect themselves against listeria?

• Don’t eat contaminated products.
• Clean your refrigerator containers if they were exposed to the contaminated foods.
• Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms

In July, a listeria outbreak in deli meats was linked to 59 hospitalizations across 19 states, according to the CDC, including 10 deaths across Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina. If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms, go to your nearest urgent care center or emergency room.