Sep 12, 2024 | Healthy Living

Feeling unwell after eating deli meat? Our urgent care can provide immediate care for listeria symptoms. Open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.

Deli meat brands you can find in supermarkets throughout the country often market themselves as family companies or farm-to-table focused. However, in small towns like Athens, TN, you can count on true farm-to-table produce and meats because of the city’s agricultural background and roots. Local meat sellers like Hyde Farms Meat Market or farmer’s markets like Athens or Englewood are great sources of trustworthy and delicious meats and other foods. Investing in the local food scene is key to embracing Athens’ history and culture.

What is the Boar’s Head Outbreak?

The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our food supply. Listeria, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, is particularly concerning due to its ability to thrive in refrigerated environments, making it a common contaminant in ready-to-eat foods like deli meats.

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria, can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause meningitis, a potentially fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. Individuals at high risk for listeriosis include pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

How Can I Prevent Listeriosis?

While the Boar’s Head outbreak has highlighted the importance of food safety, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of listeriosis:

• Cook foods thoroughly: Ensure that meats, poultry, and eggs are cooked to their recommended internal temperatures.
• Practice proper hygiene: Wash your hands, utensils, and cutting boards with hot soapy water after handling raw meat or poultry.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly: Store leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products: These products may contain harmful bacteria, including listeria.
• Be cautious with ready-to-eat foods: If you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system, consider avoiding or limiting your consumption of ready-to-eat deli meats, hot dogs, and other processed foods.

Staying Alert

The listeria outbreak involving Boar’s Head deli meats is a serious public health concern, but it’s important to remember that listeria can be found in a variety of foods. By following proper food safety practices and being vigilant about the products you consume, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially dangerous bacterium.

What Do I Do If I Consume Bad Meat?

If you’ve consumed Boar’s Head deli meats that were part of the recall or are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis from another source, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Our urgent care clinic is equipped to provide prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications. By understanding the risks of listeria and taking steps to prevent infection, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially dangerous bacterium.