What Boar's Head Meat Not to Eat? A Guide to Recalled and High-Risk Products

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, a widespread listeria outbreak in 2024 was linked to certain Boar's Head products, leading to hospitalizations and deaths. When considering what Boar's Head meat not to eat, it's critical to review past recalls and understand the risks associated with ready-to-eat deli products, especially for vulnerable populations.

Quick Summary

This article addresses which Boar's Head products have been recalled due to listeria contamination, outlining specific items and lot codes involved. It also details food safety precautions, including advice for at-risk individuals, and explains why vigilance is necessary when consuming ready-to-eat deli items. Safety measures implemented by the brand are also discussed.

Key Points

Avoid recalled products: Do not consume Boar's Head products that were part of the 2024 listeria recall, especially liverwurst, ham, and sausage with specific lot codes.
Protect vulnerable groups: Pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems should always heat deli meats to 165°F before eating.
Clean and sanitize: Ensure all surfaces, including deli slicers and countertops, are thoroughly cleaned to prevent the spread of listeria.
Discard recalled items: If you have recalled products, do not eat them; throw them away or return them for a refund.
Follow expiration dates: Pay attention to 'use by' dates and proper refrigeration temperatures (40°F or below) to maintain safety.
Understand safety updates: Boar's Head has implemented new safety measures post-recall, and current products are considered safe.

Understanding the 2024 Boar's Head Recall

When asking "what Boar's Head meat not to eat?" it's crucial to acknowledge the serious food safety issue that occurred in 2024. This was not an issue with the edibility of certain animal parts, but a large-scale recall of branded deli meat products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The outbreak was traced to a specific processing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, and the company issued a widespread recall of all ready-to-eat meats from that facility out of an abundance of caution.

The most prominent recalled product was liverwurst, which was the item that initially tested positive for the listeria strain causing the outbreak. However, the recall expanded significantly to include a wide range of products processed at the same location, encompassing various types of ham, salami, bologna, and bacon.

Products Targeted in the 2024 Recall

If you are concerned about which products were affected, a comprehensive list was provided by health officials and Boar's Head. Key details to look for on recalled packaging included the establishment numbers "EST. 12612" or "P-12612". Specific categories of recalled Boar's Head meat included:

Liverwurst: Including the Strassburger brand varieties.
Ham: Both sliced and packaged Virginia Ham and Italian Cappy Style Ham.
Sausage & Franks: Including Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters, Knockwurst, and Bratwurst.
Other Deli Meats: Such as sliced Bologna and Steakhouse Roasted Bacon.

It is important to note that since the recall, Boar's Head has implemented significant safety enhancements and states that all products currently in stores are safe to consume.

General Food Safety for Deli Meats

Beyond specific recalls, general food safety practices are vital, especially concerning deli meats and vulnerable populations. Listeria bacteria can easily spread from one item to another via equipment like deli slicers or on kitchen surfaces. While most healthy adults will only experience mild, flu-like symptoms if infected, certain groups are at a much higher risk of serious illness or death.

High-Risk Groups

Pregnant individuals
Newborns
Adults aged 65 and older
People with weakened immune systems

For these groups, the USDA and CDC recommend avoiding all ready-to-eat deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot (to an internal temperature of 165°F). This is because refrigeration alone does not kill listeria bacteria.

Comparing Recalled vs. Current Boar's Head Products


Feature	Recalled Boar's Head Meat (Summer 2024)	Current Boar's Head Meat (Post-Recall)
Associated Risk	Listeria monocytogenes contamination, linked to a multi-state outbreak.	No active recalls. Produced in updated facilities with enhanced safety measures.
Affected Products	Included liverwurst, ham, sausages, and other items from the Jarratt, VA facility.	Products are deemed safe, with extra safeguards implemented across all production.
Identification	Look for specific establishment codes "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" and specific sell-by dates.	Follow standard food safety best practices. Packaging has updated or different codes.
Consumer Action	Discard product, return to store, or reheat to 165°F for high-risk individuals.	Safe to eat as is for the general population. Reheat to 165°F for high-risk individuals.

Safely Handling Deli Meats at Home

Proper food handling is essential for minimizing risk, regardless of a product's recall status. The following steps will help you ensure a safe and healthy experience with Boar's Head or any other brand of deli meat.

Guidelines for safe consumption

Check for recalls: Always be aware of current food recalls by checking reliable sources like the USDA and CDC.
Inspect packaging: Look for signs of damage, expiration dates, and any recall-specific codes on prepackaged products.
Clean surfaces: Thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with deli meat, including slicers, countertops, and utensils.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands before and after handling deli meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Store properly: Keep deli meat refrigerated at or below 40°F and consume it by the "use by" date.
Reheat for high-risk individuals: As mentioned, if you or someone in your household is in a high-risk group, always reheat deli meat to 165°F before eating.

Conclusion: Informed Choices Are the Safest Choice

The question of what Boar's Head meat not to eat is primarily a matter of staying informed about potential product recalls and exercising caution with certain ready-to-eat items, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The 2024 listeria outbreak served as a potent reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance. By checking for recalls, following proper handling procedures, and taking extra precautions for at-risk family members, consumers can enjoy Boar's Head products with confidence. While the company has taken steps to enhance its safety protocols, the ultimate responsibility for safe food handling begins at home.

For additional information on the company's current food safety practices, visit the official Boar's Head website: https://boarshead.com/food-safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2024 recall included liverwurst, Virginia ham, Italian Cappy Style ham, certain sausages, and other ready-to-eat meats produced at the Jarratt, Virginia plant.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a severe infection called listeriosis. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, potentially causing serious illness or death.

According to Boar's Head and subsequent safety updates, all products currently available for sale in stores are considered safe. The company has implemented enhanced safety protocols and the specific facility linked to the 2024 outbreak has been permanently closed.

Recalled packaged products had specific establishment numbers, 'EST. 12612' or 'P-12612', inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.

Yes, reheating deli meat until it is steaming hot, or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, will kill listeria bacteria.

People who are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system should avoid ready-to-eat deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot.

After disposing of any recalled meat, you should thoroughly clean and sanitize your refrigerator, food containers, and any surfaces that the meat may have touched to prevent cross-contamination.

Following the recall, Boar's Head enhanced its food safety protocols, including implementing high-pressure pasteurization and increasing listeria sampling across all facilities. An independent Food Safety Advisory Council was also established.