Health Officials Warn Against Deli Meats Amid Listeria Outbreak

NEW YORK – U.S. health officials are investigating a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning, urging vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, to avoid sliced deli meats unless they are recooked to steaming hot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the outbreak may extend beyond the reported cases, primarily concentrated in the Midwest and along the East Coast, as meats were sliced at various grocery store delis. The CDC has identified deli meats as a likely source of the outbreak but has not yet pinpointed specific products. Listeria infections can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with more serious complications like stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions, particularly threatening to individuals over 65 and those with compromised immune systems. Notably, one victim of the outbreak was pregnant but did not experience a miscarriage. For those at risk who may have deli meats at home, the CDC recommends recooking them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. This guidance is consistent with the agency's long-standing advice for high-risk individuals to either avoid deli meats or heat them thoroughly before consumption. Historically, listeria has led to recalls of various food products, including cheeses and packaged salads, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with this pathogen.