Health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at deli counters, with at least 34 confirmed cases across 13 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the outbreak on February 16, 2026, urging consumers to take precautions when purchasing and consuming deli meats. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risks associated with ready-to-eat foods and the importance of proper food safety practices.
The investigation, which began in July 2024, has identified two deaths in Illinois and New Jersey, and has led to the hospitalization of 33 individuals. According to the CDC, the majority – 89% of those interviewed – reported consuming meats sliced at deli counters prior to becoming ill. The outbreak strain has been identified in an unopened package of Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, though further testing is underway to confirm if this is the sole source of the contamination.
What You Should Do: CDC Recommendations
The CDC is advising consumers to take several steps to protect themselves. Individuals should not eat any recalled deli products and are encouraged to throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. For those at higher risk – pregnant individuals, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems – the CDC recommends avoiding deli meats altogether unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) just before serving.
Beyond avoiding potentially contaminated products, the CDC stresses the importance of thorough cleaning. Consumers should clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with sliced deli meats. Businesses handling deli meats are similarly advised to follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination, including rigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
Understanding Listeria and its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called invasive listeriosis, particularly dangerous for certain populations. While many experience only mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, pregnant individuals face a heightened risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. For those who are not pregnant, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. Symptoms typically appear between one and four weeks after consuming contaminated food, but can range from the same day to as long as 70 days later.
Listeria is particularly challenging to control because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, unlike many other harmful bacteria. As the CDC notes, deli environments are prone to the spread of Listeria due to its ability to easily contaminate equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Recent outbreaks, including a 2024 outbreak linked to meats sliced at delis and a 2022 outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese, highlight the ongoing challenges in preventing contamination in these settings. Learn more about how Listeria spreads from the CDC.
The CDC is continuing to operate with state health departments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to investigate the outbreak and determine if additional deli meat products are affected. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeria after consuming deli meats is urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
As the investigation continues, public health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and adherence to food safety guidelines. Consumers can discover more information and updates on the outbreak at the CDC’s Listeria outbreak page.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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