Marler Clark Attorneys Call for Food Safety Measures to Protect Public Following Listeria Deli Meat Outbreak

SEATTLE — A recent Listeria outbreak in Boar's Head deli meat has sickened 43 and killed three, according to the CDC. The outbreak requires proactive measures to ensure the safety of consumers, said the foodborne illness attorneys at Marler Clark.

Beyond the recall of the product, the attorneys believe that any product in the deli case that came near Boar's Head product may have been at risk for cross-contamination and should be discarded. In addition, deli case, deli counters and any equipment, especially slicers, should be thoroughly cleaned.

"As many food safety professionals say, ‘When in doubt, throw it out,'" said Marler Clark attorney William Marler.

Consumers need to also be aware of the dangers of these products and toss all Boar's Head products that have been recalled. Consumers should:

Seal the meat. Place the contaminated meat in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any leakage or exposure to other foods.

Label the bag. Clearly label the bag as "Contaminated – Do Not Consume" to prevent accidental ingestion.

Secure the trash. Place the sealed bag in a secure trash container with a tight lid to prevent animals from accessing it.

Wash your hands.  After handling the contaminated meat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent spreading the bacteria.

Clean the area. Wipe down any surfaces or utensils that encountered the contaminated meat with a disinfectant to prevent cross-contamination.

Inform others. If the contaminated meat was part of a larger batch, inform others who may have consumed it to take necessary precautions.

Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, and deli meats are not usually heated to a high enough temperature to kill any germs that may be on these meats.  The risk for cross contamination is high and calls for food suppliers, retailers and consumers to toss any Boar's head products that could potentially have been exposed to Listeria.