This guidance can help people—especially those in vulnerable groups—stay safe until this outbreak is over, CRs experts say
Update as of Sept. March 13, 2024: Boar’s Head said today that it will stop making liverwurst, a deli product that was found to be contaminated with listeria and linked to 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths in 18 states. The company also said it has indefinitely closed its Jarratt, Virginia, plant where liverwurst was produced.
Update as of Aug. 8, 2024: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nine more cases of listeria linked to recalled deli meats. This brings the total number of cases and hospitalizations to 43. The CDC also said that a third person had died.
Consumer Reports food safety experts say that pregnant women, very young children, older people, and people with weak immune systems shouldn’t eat any deli-sliced meats, including Boar’s Head deli meat. They also say that recalled Boar’s Head packaged meat products should also not be eaten because they could be contaminated with listeria. To be safe, everyone—not just those in these vulnerable groups—may want to avoid these products for now.
Some Boar’s Head products are linked to an ongoing listeria outbreak. People in these high-risk groups can get listeriosis, an infection caused by the listeria bacteria, which can kill them. Pregnant women can also lose their babies.
The company has recalled more than 7 million pounds of packaged and deli-sliced meats (PDF) after saying that a strain of listeria found on a Boar’s Head liverwurst product in a Baltimore-area deli matched the strain that caused the outbreak. Not all Boar’s Head products have been recalled, but a lot of them have. The liverwurst was processed in the company’s Jarrett, Va. facility, and Boar’s Head said in a statement that all meats from that facility have been recalled and that they have temporarily stopped making all of their usual “ready-to-eat” foods.
“If you are in one of these high-risk groups and have a Boar’s Head packaged meat product in your fridge and can’t tell if it’s been recalled or not, throw it out. You should play it safe until the outbreak is over,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at CR. Any recalled product can also be returned to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety research and testing at CR, says that after throwing away any recalled meat or deli-sliced meat of unknown origin, you should also clean your fridge and everything the meat touched very well.
The safest thing to do right now is to stay away from all deli sandwiches and meats that are sliced at the counter. This is especially true for people who are already at a high risk. That’s because Boar’s Head deli meats that are part of this recall and are cut on a slicer in a grocery store, deli, or bodega could contaminate the equipment and counters, Rogers says. The contamination could then easily spread to other deli meats, cheese, and leafy greens.
Boar’s Head is a popular premium deli meat brand that has been around for decades. Their turkey products in particular have been staples at deli counters and sandwich shops across America.
However, some conflicting information has led to questions around whether Boar’s Head turkey is actually bad for your health. With lists of ingredients that read more like chemistry homework than something you’d want to eat, it’s understandable how deli meats get a bad rap.
But is Boar’s Head turkey truly unhealthy? Or is it an acceptable food when eaten in moderation? In this article, I’ll take an objective look at the controversy
3 Main Concerns Around Boar’s Head Turkey
There are 3 key factors driving the concerns around the health impacts of Boar’s Head turkey:
1. High Sodium Content
The main issue with most deli meats Boar’s Head turkey included is their very high sodium content. Boar’s Head turkey contains anywhere from 350-460 mg of sodium per 2 ounce serving.
To put this in context, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 140 mg per serving for optimal heart health.
While Boar’s Head does offer some lower sodium turkey options, most varieties still contain well over the recommended amount. For individuals monitoring their sodium intake, Boar’s Head turkey products may not be the best choice.
2. Nitrates/Nitrites
Like many processed and cured meats, Boar’s Head turkey contains nitrates and nitrites. These chemical preservatives allow the meat to retain color and inhibit bacterial growth.
However, there is research linking high intake of nitrates and nitrites to increased risk of cancer and heart disease. The extent of this connection is still debated, but it’s something worth being mindful of.
Boar’s Head states that their products use nitrates and nitrites sparingly. And some turkey options like their oven-roasted turkey are uncured with no added nitrates or nitrites. Still, it’s an ingredient to be aware of.
3. Highly Processed Factor
There is concern around lunch meats like turkey being classified by the WHO as carcinogenic when consumed in high amounts. This is related to being highly processed.
While valid, Boar’s Head turkey is far less processed than many other lunch meats on the market. Additionally, eating things in moderation is key.
Overall, these three factors contribute to the controversy around how healthy Boar’s Head turkey really is. But the true answer is more nuanced.
The Reality: Boar’s Head Turkey Can Be Part of a Balanced Diet
Given the concerns around sodium, nitrates/nitrites, and processing, it’s understandable to question just how healthy Boar’s Head turkey truly is. However, the reality is that it can be incorporated into a balanced diet when chosen mindfully and eaten in moderation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Choosing lower sodium varieties is recommended, as sodium content can vary quite a bit. Comparing nutrition labels is key.
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Stick to recommended 2-3 ounce portion sizes, avoiding overconsumption.
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Enjoy Boar’s Head turkey just 2-3 times per week rather than daily.
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Pairing turkey with veggies and whole grains can provide more nutrients and fiber.
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Opting for oven-roasted turkey minimizes exposure to nitrates/nitrites when possible.
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Those with specific health conditions like hypertension should consult their doctor before eating.
When incorporated responsibly while keeping overall diet diversity and moderation in mind, Boar’s Head turkey can be perfectly fine for most people. It provides convenience, versatility, and quality when consumed wisely.
Answering Common Questions Around Boar’s Head Turkey
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions around Boar’s Head turkey:
Is Boar’s Head turkey gluten free?
Yes, Boar’s Head turkey contains no gluten ingredients, making it safe for gluten free diets.
Does Boar’s Head turkey contain preservatives?
Most varieties do contain nitrates/nitrites to prevent bacterial growth. But they offer some uncured options without these as well.
How does it compare to other brands like Foster Farms?
This depends on priorities. Boar’s Head has more variety and premium quality. But some Foster Farms may be lower in sodium. Check nutrition labels.
Can I eat Boar’s Head Turkey while pregnant?
Pregnant women can eat it in moderation, sticking to lower sodium options. But consult a doctor about dietary recommendations.
Does Boar’s Head turkey contain hormones or antibiotics?
No. All Boar’s Head turkey is raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, balance and moderation are key pillars of any healthy diet. With some mindfulness around preparation, portion size, and frequency of consumption, Boar’s Head turkey can be incorporated into an overall nutritious way of eating.
While no single food is perfect, Boar’s Head turkey can serve as an occasional convenient and tasty protein source when consumed responsibly. By choosing lower sodium options, limiting portions, and pairing with nutrient-dense sides, it can safely be enjoyed as part of varied, balanced eating habits.
Recalled Boar’s Head Packaged Meats
Elizabeth Ward, spokesperson for Boar’s Head confirmed that of the 72 products recalled (see a full list), the following are those sold in the U.S. as prepackaged products on store shelves. (Many of the recalled items are meats sliced behind a deli counter.)
These packaged products will have “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Note that some product details were not yet available at the time of publication.
| Product Name | Size | Sell-By Dates | Package Code |
| Liverwurst Pate | 8 oz. | 02-AUG-24-12-SEP-24 | 042421258103 |
| Canadian Style Uncured Bacon | 1.6 oz. | 31-JUL-24-09-SEP-24 | 1 |
| Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing | 14 oz. | 31-JUL-24-15-SEP-24 | 042421140101 |
| Uncured Beef Frankfurters | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Uncured Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing | 14 oz. | 31-JUL-24-13-SEP-24 | 1 |
| Uncured Cocktail Frankfurters | 12 oz. | 31-JUL-24-11-SEP-24 | 042421044171 |
| Uncured Beef Knockwurst | 1 lb. | 30-JUL-24-14-SEP-24 | 042421000085 |
| Bratwurst | 1 lb. | 29-JUL-24-17-OCT-24 | 042421246803 |
| Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage | 1 lb. | 01-AUG-24-14-SEP-24 | 042421003659 |
| Uncured Kielbasa | 16 oz. | 02-AUG-24-15-SEP-24 | 042421140064 |
| All Natural Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage | 12 oz. | 29-JUL-24-17-OCT-24 | 042421140330 |
| Old Country Brand Canadian Style Bacon | 1 | 1-JUL-24-04-SEP-24 | 1 |
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the outbreak has caused 34 illnesses, with 33 people who have been hospitalized and two people who have died. Those who were sickened were located in New York (12), Maryland (6), Georgia (2), Massachusetts (2), Missouri (2), New Jersey (2), Virginia (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Minnesota (1), North Carolina (1), Pennsylvania (1), and Wisconsin (1).
The true number of people (and states) affected by this outbreak may be greater, the CDC says, because some people may fall ill without being tested for listeria, and others may not yet be showing symptoms.
Those symptoms can include fever, and experiencing muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.