Publix subs, also known as “Pub Subs,” are popular and considered a Southern favorite, but some Floridians are afraid to eat them now.
Boar’s Head, the most popular brand of deli meats sold at Publix and used in Pub Subs, has recalled all deli meat products made at its Jarratt, Virginia, facility. Pub Sub lovers often want Boar’s Head meats in their subs, along with the cheese and veggies.
The Boar’s Head recall stems from a Listeria outbreak that has sickened people in 13 states. While Florida has no reported cases of Listeria tied to deli meats at this time, Publix had sold meats from the Virginia facility at some of its stores. On Thursday, Boar’s Head recalled 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The recall started with Boar’s Head Liverwurst. A liverwurst sample collected by health officials in Maryland tested positive for listeria. Further testing showed that the type of bacteria was the same strain causing the illnesses.
The recall list has expanded to include hams, bologna, bacon, sausage, salami and frankfurters. Turkey has not been recalled.
“We have removed all products from the impacted facility from every Publix location,” said Lindsey Willis, Publix Super Markets Media Relations Manager. “All Publix delis are open.” The company did not break out which locations sold the potentially contaminated meats.
Stop & Shop locations in Connecticut temporarily closed their delis this week for deep cleaning and sanitization after Boar’s Head recalled more products due to concerns over listeria. Publix does not need to do that, according to Willis.
“We have cleaning protocols and sanitation practices that take place in our delis every day and every evening,” Willis said.
As of July 30, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states (Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin), including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. Federal health officials are concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators and in retail deli cases. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.
Florida Department of Health officials did not respond to repeated requests for information on whether any Florida cases have been reported.
Someone infected by Listeriosis may experience symptoms immediately — or up to two months after eating the contaminated deli meat.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is particularly dangerous for anyone pregnant. The infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Older people or anyone with weakened immune systems also are at higher risk. Listeriosis typically is treated with antibiotics.
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Although Publix has tossed many of the Boar’s Head meats, Pub Sub lovers have other options.
“If ordering a sub, we do have some Boar’s Head meats available since they came from a different facility,” Willis said. “We also have Publix and other brand deli meats available for subs at our deli.”
Some small specialty grocers in Florida, such as Milam’s Market and Detwilers Farm Market, also carry Boar’s Head products. Winn Dixie carries Dietz & Watson deli meats as their Boar’s Head equivalent.
Health officials encourage consumers to check their fridges, discard any recalled products listed on the Boar’s Head website, or return them to the store where they purchased them for a full refund. Anyone with the contaminated meats should thoroughly clean and sanitize their refridgerators to prevent contamination of other foods
South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
