“Stop & Shop and Big Y Delis Temporarily Close Due to Boar’s Head Listeria Recall”

Stop & Shop and Big Y, two prominent grocery store chains, have temporarily closed their delis in response to a recall of Boar’s Head meat products. The recall was initiated due to possible listeria contamination. Boar’s Head recalled all liverwurst and deli meat products that were produced on the same factory line. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made the announcement regarding the recall.

As a precautionary measure, all Stop & Shop locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey have closed their delis. This closure will allow the staff to thoroughly clean and remove any potentially contaminated products. A spokesperson for Stop & Shop stated, “In an abundance of caution, because this product is sliced in-store, we are also in the process of discarding all other open deli meats and cheeses that could have been sliced or prepared in the same area and doing a deep cleaning of the deli.”

Big Y, another major grocery store chain with locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, has also decided to close their delis. They will be sanitizing all food and non-food surfaces and disposing of all potentially contaminated meats. In addition, the stores have halted the shipment of any products that may be of concern. John Fraro, the senior director of fresh foods at Big Y, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety, stating, “We are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution for our customers’ safety. To make sure we are breaking the supply chain, we will also be disposing of all product that may have come in contact with the affected products. We will continue to be vigilant and take precautions to prevent future incidents.”

The recalled Boar’s Head liverwurst products were produced between June 11 and July 17 and have a shelf life of 44 days, according to the USDA. Other products that have been recalled include ham, bologna, beef salami, bacon, and beef bologna, all produced on June 27. These recalled products can be identified by the establishment number “EST. 12612.” For a comprehensive list of the recalled items, consumers can refer to the USDA website.

Listeria contamination is a serious concern as it can lead to a condition called listeriosis. This infection primarily affects pregnant individuals, older adults aged 65 or above, and people with weakened immune systems. The USDA warns that consuming food contaminated with listeria can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and even convulsions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of last Friday, there were 28 reported cases of illness across 13 states associated with a deli meat listeria outbreak. Massachusetts has confirmed at least two cases in connection with this outbreak. These numbers highlight the urgency and importance of addressing the issue promptly and effectively.

In conclusion, the temporary closure of delis at Stop & Shop and Big Y is a precautionary measure taken in response to the recall of Boar’s Head meat products due to potential listeria contamination. The actions taken by these grocery store chains demonstrate their commitment to customer safety. It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about the recall and to check the USDA website for a complete list of the affected products. The potential health risks associated with listeria contamination further emphasize the importance of taking necessary precautions and following food safety guidelines.