Foodie Pundit

That Pricey Deli Sandwich Just Got a Lot More Complicated

A recall of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef in Chicago reveals the hidden economic pressures and food safety risks behind your favorite deli sandwich.

By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Food Safety

That Pricey Deli Sandwich Just Got a Lot More Complicated

Key points

  • Even when no illnesses are reported, a food recall represents a significant economic loss for producers and a major disruption for small businesses like delis and restaurants.
  • Ready-to-eat meats like pastrami and corned beef are high-risk products for Listeria contamination because the bacteria can grow at refrigeration temperatures.
  • The high price of deli sandwiches reflects volatile beef prices, specialized processing costs, and the expense of stringent food safety protocols.
  • The CDC advises vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and the immunocompromised, to heat ready-to-eat deli meats to 165°F to kill potential pathogens like Listeria.

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