deli meat

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says that the USDA inspector general is looking into whether federal and state inspectors responded appropriately to dozens of reports of problems at a Virginia factory.

The latest fatality was reported in New York, bringing the total deaths to two each in New York and South Carolina and one each in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico.

At least nine people from multiple states have died amid the largest listeria outbreak in the U.S. since 2011. The meat was produced at plant found to have repeatedly violated federal regulations.

Liverwurst lover Sue Fleming was among more than 40 people hit with listeria food poisoning. The Missouri woman was was hospitalized for nine days and in a rehab center for 11.

The CDC says the deaths occurred in Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois, nine more listeria cases were reported since a July 31 announcement about the outbreak.

The new items include meat intended to be sliced at delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products. Two people have died and nearly three dozen have been sickened in 13 states.

The USDA says Boar's Head is recalling all its liverwurst and additional products that were produced on the same line and on the same day. The recall includes about 207,528 pounds of meat.

Consumer groups are urging the USDA to change labeling rules for processed meats. They argue that "uncured" and "no nitrates added" labels may falsely lead people to believe these meats are healthier.