Current and Recent Lunch Meat Recalls
Keeping up with food recalls is an important part of ensuring a safe and healthy diet. While recall alerts are common, they are a critical measure to protect public health from issues like undeclared allergens or bacterial contamination. Two notable recent recalls involving lunch meat and related products highlight the importance of staying vigilant.
The Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. Bologna Recall
In June 2025, Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. issued a Class III recall for over 143,000 pounds of various ready-to-eat bologna products. The recall, initiated in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), was due to misbranding. The products contained meat or poultry source materials that were not listed on the labels, such as undeclared pork, beef, and chicken. While classified as a lower health risk (Class III), this is still a serious concern for individuals with meat-related allergies or dietary restrictions. Recalled items had the establishment number “EST. 5385” inside the USDA inspection mark.
The 2024 Boar's Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak
A more severe issue occurred in mid-2024, when a widespread listeria outbreak was traced back to Boar's Head deli meats. The outbreak, which was linked to meats sliced at deli counters and products from the company's Jarratt, Virginia plant, affected people in 19 states and resulted in 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. The recall expanded to include over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat products sold under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The outbreak concluded in November 2024, but it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of bacterial contamination in processed meats.
The October 2025 Listeria Alert for Pasta Meals with Meat
In October 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat pasta meals supplied by FreshRealm, Inc. and sold at retailers like Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Albertsons. This alert, which is part of an ongoing investigation into a listeria outbreak, includes meat-containing products like Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce and Trader Joe's Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo. The alert follows previous recalls for chicken alfredo meals supplied by the same company.
How to Stay Informed and Practice Food Safety
To protect yourself and your family, especially those at higher risk, a proactive approach to food safety is essential. For the most current information, regularly check the official government recall websites. These include the USDA's FSIS alerts for meat, poultry, and egg products, and the FDA's site for other foods. You can also sign up for email notifications to receive alerts as soon as they are published.
For those who are part of high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, extra precautions are necessary when consuming deli meats. Listeria can survive and multiply in refrigerated environments, so simply refrigerating contaminated products is not enough to kill the bacteria. The safest course of action for high-risk individuals is to either avoid deli meats entirely or heat them until they are steaming hot (165°F) before eating.
Comparison of Key Recalls
| Aspect | Gaiser's Bologna (June 2025) | Boar's Head Deli Meats (July-Nov 2024) | FreshRealm Pasta Meals (Oct 2025 Alert) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. | Boar's Head Provisions Co. | FreshRealm, Inc. (supplier) |
| Products | Various ready-to-eat bologna items | Deli-sliced and pre-packaged meats | Prepared pasta meals with meat |
| Reason | Misbranding (undeclared ingredients) | Listeria monocytogenes contamination | Listeria monocytogenes contamination |
| Health Risk | Class III (marginal risk), but important for allergies | High risk for vulnerable populations, linked to deaths | High risk for vulnerable populations, linked to deaths |
| Distribution | Nationwide retail and wholesale | Nationwide retail, exported to other countries | Sold at major retailers like Walmart, Trader Joe's |
Conclusion
While a balanced nutrition diet provides immense health benefits, it's crucial to be aware of and respond to food safety recalls. The recent incidents involving Gaiser's bologna and the past Boar's Head listeria outbreak demonstrate the range of issues that can affect processed meat products. For those with allergies, misbranding is a serious matter, and for high-risk individuals, listeria contamination can be deadly. By actively checking government recall lists, exercising caution with deli meats, and following safe handling procedures, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of foodborne illness.
Resources
For the latest information and to check for recalls, visit the USDA FSIS Recall Page for alerts on meat, poultry, and egg products.
