Back in July there was an alert to all the delis in the New York area. There was a report of listeria, a deadly bacteria that contaminates food and can lead to death for those with a compromised immune system.
Listeria, according to the Mayo Clinic, is most commonly contracted from eating uncooked deli meat and from drinking unpasteurized milk. This disease is not deadly for a typical person, but for those who are pregnant, have an immune deficiency, or are older than 65, it can be life-threatening. According to an article in the Associated Press, a tenth person died in September from the recent outbreak.
Credit: Stop & Shop Deli section
Photo by Christian Coriolan
There are reports, per their official website, that Boar’s Head products have been contaminated; most of the contaminated products have been recalled, and the meat plant that started it all has closed.
While it’s been out of the news cycle for a while, the fallout is still ongoing. However, Derell Smith, a media student on campus, said “I’ve heard that happening, but I know the stores by me have started selling them again because they are clean.” There are others, though, who are justifiably still cautious. Timothy Coventry states, “Right now, I would hold off.”
The cafeteria staff know about the listeria outbreak; employee Mathew Campisi said “We serve Butterball deli meat, and we don’t sell Boars Head products. We make sure the food is safe and if it’s contaminated, then we shut down immediately.”
Mike Bundrick, the manager at the Stop & Shop in Carle Place said that Boar’s Head hasn’t sent any products for a month. “The Boar’s Head factory has shut down due to listeria.” Customers may be curious as to why they haven’t gotten any deli meat.
Helen Karavis, manager of the Halal Shack on campus, says “We ensure our safety to the customers, and we close and clear the department every night.” She continued, “If any food gets contaminated, then we have no choice but to shut down”. As with most food handlers, they have been trained in food safety and proper cleaning regimens.
