Patrick Oconnell
Deli meat and cheese are a staple in American diets, with more than 10% of Americans consuming over a pound of cold cuts weekly. However, the consumption of these products has also been linked to a deadly listeria outbreak in several states, including New York, Maryland, Illinois, California, New Jersey, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness and even death, especially in pregnant people, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. To prevent listeria infection, it is recommended to avoid deli meat or ensure it is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states affected | 6 |
| Number of people infected | 16 |
| Number of hospitalizations | 13 |
| Number of deaths | 1 |
| Number of miscarriages | 1 |
| States affected | New York, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey |
| Number of cases in New York | 7 |
| Number of cases in Maryland | 3 |
| Number of cases in Illinois | 2 |
| Number of cases in Massachusetts | 2 |
| Contaminated products | Deli meat, cheese |
| High-risk groups | Pregnant people, elderly people, those with weakened immune systems |
| Recommendations for high-risk groups | Reheat meat and cheese from the deli "steaming hot" before consumption |
| Recommendations for retailers | Ensure proper handling and storage practices to prevent contamination |
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What You'll Learn
Listeria outbreak in 6 states
In November 2022, a deadly outbreak of listeria was reported in six states in the US. The outbreak was linked to contaminated deli meats and cheeses, causing 16 infections and one death. The states affected were New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. The CDC reported that seven listeria infections were reported in New York, three in Maryland, two in Illinois, two in Massachusetts, one in California, and one in New Jersey. The true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
Listeria symptoms usually start within two weeks of eating contaminated food. Mild cases may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms may include a headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Listeriosis can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever and diarrhea, similar to other foodborne pathogens. Symptoms can start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.
The CDC, along with state public health officials, the federal Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Agriculture, worked to identify additional delis and specific products that may have been affected. The CDC suggested that people at high risk of severe illness from listeria infection, such as pregnant people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, should not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter without first reheating it to a steaming hot temperature.
In May 2025, another listeria outbreak was reported in the US, linked to ready-to-eat food products from Fresh & Ready Foods LLC of San Fernando, California. At least 10 people were sickened in California and Nevada, and all required hospitalization. The products were sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington at various retailers and food service points of sale, including hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, airports, and airlines.
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People at high risk
While lunch meats and cheese are convenient and tasty, they can be loaded with salt and artificial additives that may be harmful to certain people. Lunch meats have been linked to several outbreaks of Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious illness in pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. High sodium intake has also been linked to stiffened blood vessels and stress on the heart and kidneys. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and ideally no more than 1,500 mg for most adults. However, the average American consumes 3,300 mg of sodium daily. A single sandwich with deli meat, cheese, and bread can easily contain close to 1,000 mg of sodium.
Processed meats, such as lunch meats, typically have a much higher sodium content than fresh meats. For example, 100 grams of deli chicken contains 1,032 mg of sodium, while the same amount of plain cooked chicken breast has only 47 mg. Similarly, a study of 6,318 middle-aged Americans with diets high in animal protein showed a 74% higher likelihood of early death compared to those consuming less animal protein or non-animal protein. The risk of dying from cancer was four times higher, and the risk of dying from diabetes was several times higher as well.
Therefore, people at high risk of negative health outcomes from consuming lunch meats and cheese include:
- Pregnant women: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list cold cuts as a risky food choice during pregnancy due to the risk of Listeria contamination, which can cause serious illness in both the mother and fetus.
- Adults over 65: Older adults are more susceptible to Listeria infection and are also at a higher risk of cardiovascular issues and diabetes, which can be exacerbated by high sodium intake.
- People with weakened immune systems: Those with weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments are more vulnerable to Listeria infection and its potentially serious consequences.
- People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues: High sodium intake can exacerbate blood pressure and cardiovascular issues, so those with these conditions should monitor their lunch meat and cheese consumption.
- People at risk of cancer or diabetes: Excessive animal protein consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and diabetes, so those already at risk for these conditions may want to moderate their intake of lunch meats and cheese.
It is important to note that consuming lunch meats and cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes fresh, whole foods can help mitigate these risks. Reduced-sodium and "uncured" deli meats are also available for those looking to reduce their sodium intake. Additionally, heating deli meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming can kill any Listeria bacteria present, making them safer for consumption by high-risk individuals.
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CDC recommendations
The CDC has issued several recommendations in response to the Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese. Listeria infection is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, and it can cause severe illness, especially for pregnant people, those aged 65 or older, or those with weakened immune systems. Here are the CDC recommendations:
- Avoid recalled meats: The CDC advises against consuming recalled meats. Any recalled deli meats should be thrown away or returned to the store.
- Clean and sanitize: If recalled meats were stored in your refrigerator, clean and sanitize the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled meats to prevent the spread of Listeria.
- Reheat deli meats and cheeses: For those who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have weakened immune systems, the CDC recommends reheating deli meats and cheeses to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. This includes meat and cheese bought at deli counters, as Listeria has been found on open packages of mortadella, ham, and salami sliced at delis.
- Avoid deli-sliced meats: The CDC recommends that those at higher risk of listeriosis avoid eating meat sliced at deli counters unless it is heated to the recommended internal temperature.
- Seek medical attention: Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, a stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, or seizures after consuming deli meats should contact a healthcare provider.
- Contact the CDC: The CDC is working with various partners to collect data and determine the source of the outbreak. If you have been diagnosed with listeriosis, the CDC may contact you to identify the products connected to the outbreak.
It is important to follow these recommendations to prevent Listeria infection, which can have severe health consequences, especially for those in vulnerable groups.
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Deli meat and cheese contamination
Deli meat and cheese are popular sandwich ingredients in the United States. Deli meat is a convenient source of protein and can be purchased pre-packaged or freshly sliced from a deli counter. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming these products. Deli meat and cheese have been linked to outbreaks of food contamination, particularly with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in vulnerable individuals.
Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy bacterium commonly found in soil, water, sewage, and decaying plant material. It can easily contaminate food during preparation and is challenging to remove. Deli counters and food processing facilities are common sources of Listeria infections, as the bacterium can spread between food, equipment, and surfaces. In November 2022, a multistate outbreak of Listeria was linked to contaminated deli meat and cheese, affecting individuals in New York, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey. This outbreak resulted in hospitalizations and deaths, including a pregnancy loss.
Symptoms of Listeria infection typically occur within four weeks but can take up to 70 days to appear. Initial signs may include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, followed by more severe symptoms like persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Listeria is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning in the United States and poses a significant risk to pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
To minimize the risk of Listeria infection, vulnerable individuals should avoid consuming deli meat and cheese unless they are reheated to a "steaming hot" temperature. Additionally, consumers should be vigilant about checking for food recalls and following recommended safety guidelines. When purchasing deli meat, opt for freshly sliced options at the deli counter, as they tend to have fewer ingredients. Also, look for pre-packaged meat that specifies "no artificial color" and "no caramel color," as these additives are potential carcinogens.
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NetCost Market
Deli meats and cheeses are a popular food choice in the United States, with turkey being the most popular deli meat, followed by ham. However, there have been concerns about the health risks associated with consuming these products, especially when they are highly processed.
In 2022, a deadly outbreak of Listeria was reported in six states: New York, Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey. The outbreak was linked to contaminated deli meat and cheese, with a total of 16 people infected and 13 hospitalized. One death was reported in Maryland, and another person in New York lost their baby due to the infection. According to the CDC, five of the seven people infected in New York had purchased sliced deli meat or cheese from at least one location of NetCost Market, a chain of stores selling international foods.
The outbreak highlights the potential risks associated with consuming deli meats and cheeses, especially for pregnant people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness and is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning in the United States. It is important for individuals to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions, such as reheating deli meats and cheeses before consumption, as recommended by health authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, a listeria outbreak has been reported in 12 states: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Symptoms of listeria infection usually occur within four weeks of infection but can take up to 70 days to appear. Initial symptoms include diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, followed by headaches, stiff neck, fever, muscle pain, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
If you experience any symptoms of listeria infection, especially after consuming meat or cheese from a deli, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
