Big Y, Stop & Shop locations in Massachusetts stop deli meat orders due to listeria outbreak
SPRINGFIELD - Big Y and Stop & Shop supermarket locations, including in Massachusetts, are temporarily closing their delis in the wake of a listeria outbreak linked to deli meat products.
Big Y and Stop & Shop cleaning and sanitizing delis
Big Y said they'll be closing their delis to destroy any impacted products and to deep clean and sanitize everything. "We are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution for our customers' safety. 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," said John Fraro, senior director of fresh foods at Big Y, in a statement.
In a statement, Stop & Shop said they have temporarily closed their delis to discard affected products and clean. "In an abundance of caution, because this product is sliced in store, we are also in the process of discarding all other open deli meats and cheeses that could have been sliced or prepared in the same area and doing a deep cleaning of the deli," said a spokesperson.
What products are being recalled?
Boar's Head is recalling ready-to-eat liverwurst produced between June 11 and July 17. That includes 3.5-pound loaves in plastic casing and "Board's Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst" with sell by dates between July 25 and Aug. 30.
According to the USDA, Boar's Head products also impacted include:
- Virginia Ham Old-Fashioned Ham
- Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
- Bologna
- Beef Salami
- Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat & Eat
- Garlic Bologna
- Beef Bologna
According to the CDC, the listeria outbreak has sickened 34 people in 12 states, including two people in Massachusetts. Two people nationwide have also died.
Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness. It's especially dangerous in pregnant women, people over 65 or those with a weakened immune system.
"GI symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea," said Dr. Shira Doron, the chief infection control officer at Tufts. "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."