The Center for Diseases Control And Prevention says it’s investigating a fatal #listeria outbreak linked to deli-sliced meats and cheeses.
There have been eight cases reported in four states and in all cases, each victim was hospitalized. One person from Michigan has since passed away, according to the CDC.
The other states who have reported cases are New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As far as the investigation goes, it’s hard to pinpoint which brands are connected to the outbreak so far because in interviews, ill people reported eating different brands of products sliced at deli counters in multiple locations.
“The outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from meat sliced at a deli and from deli counters in multiple stores,” the CDC said in a statement. “A single, common supplier of deli products has not been identified.”
Two cases were reported in early 2019, and the other six were reported from November 2016 to February 2018.
The good news is it sounds like we’re still good to eat deli meat as the CDC is not advising consumers to avoid eating it.
The CDC is however advising retailers to clean and sanitize their deli slicers frequently, as well as other areas where deli products are prepared, stored, or served to avoid cross contamination.
“This outbreak is a reminder that people at higher risk for severe Listeria infection should handle deli-sliced products carefully to prevent illness,” the CDC said. “Pregnant women and their newborns, adults age 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick with Listeria infection. These groups of people should avoid eating lunch meats, cold cuts, or other deli meats, unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.”
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
