Boar's Head Lawsuit | Boar's Head Listeria Recall [2024 Update]

Boar's Head Deli Meat: The Largest Listeria Outbreak in Over a Decade

The Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak is the largest in the U.S. in over a decade, surpassing even the notorious 2011 cantaloupe outbreak.

Expanding an initial recall, the company has now recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meat, all linked to a single facility in Jarratt, Virginia.

This outbreak has already claimed the lives of several people and hospitalized countless others across 17 states.

The CDC has classified this outbreak as extremely severe due to the widespread distribution of the contaminated products and the vulnerability of the affected populations.

Listeria is particularly dangerous because it can thrive in refrigerated environments, making it difficult to control once it contaminates a facility.

Boar’s Head has suspended operations at the implicated facility and is working with federal health officials to address the situation.

The company has also issued a public apology, acknowledging the profound impact on affected families.

Despite these efforts, the scale of the recall and the seriousness of listeria infections have sparked widespread concern among consumers.

Health authorities are urging anyone who purchased Boar’s Head deli meats between May and July 2024 to discard them immediately and to sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with these products.

The long shelf life of deli meats means that contaminated products could still be in consumers’ refrigerators, posing an ongoing risk.

How Was the Listeria Bacteria Outbreak Strain Identified?

The outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes in Boar’s Head products was identified through a meticulous investigation led by the Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department.

Public health officials collected an unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product from a retail store, which tested positive for the bacteria.

Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), the strain found in the liverwurst was confirmed to be the same strain responsible for making people sick across multiple states.

This precise identification was crucial in tracing the source of the outbreak and initiating the recall of over 7 million pounds of potentially contaminated deli meats.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is continuing to trace the suppliers of these products to prevent further spread of the outbreak.

Listeria Outbreak Tied to Several Deaths and Countless Infections

Listeria infections can be severe and even fatal.

The infection often starts with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea but can escalate quickly.

If the bacteria spread to the nervous system, it can cause headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions, leading to life-threatening complications like meningitis or septicemia.

In pregnant women, listeriosis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in newborns.

Deaths typically occur when the infection overwhelms the body’s defenses, especially in those already weakened by age or illness.

Symptoms of Listeria Infections

Listeria infections can manifest with a range of symptoms that vary in severity depending on the individual’s health status and the progression of the infection.

Early symptoms may resemble mild flu-like conditions, but the infection can quickly become more serious, especially if it spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial, as listeriosis can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Below is a list of common symptoms associated with listeria infections:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

What Boar's Head Brand Deli Meats are Recalled?

The recalled deli meat tied to the listeria food poisoning outbreak includes several products packaged and distributed by Boar’s Head.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the recall includes over 7 million pounds of products produced at their Jarratt, Virginia facility between May 10 and July 29, 2024. Affected items include various deli meats with “sell by” dates from July 29 to October 17, 2024.

Due to the nature of listeria contamination, even small amounts of these products can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Consumers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators for any of the recalled items and to take immediate action if they find any of these products.

Below is a comprehensive list of the Boar’s Head deli meats that have been recalled:

• Boar’s Head liverwurst
• Boar’s Head beef salami
• Boar’s Head bologna
• Boar’s Head roasted bacon
• Boar’s Head ham
• Boar’s Head turkey breast
• Boar’s Head pepperoni
• Boar’s Head pastrami
• Boar’s Head corned beef
• Boar’s Head mortadella

These recalled products were widely distributed and are commonly found in grocery stores, sliced in retail delis, and even used in foodservice establishments across the country.

Consumers should be particularly cautious if they purchased any deli meats sliced in retail delis, as these may have come from the contaminated batches.

How Did Listeria Bacteria Outbreak in Boar’s Head Products Happen?

The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats occurred due to severe lapses in sanitation at their Jarratt, Virginia facility.

Over the past year, inspectors documented 69 instances of noncompliance with federal regulations, including mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings, and significant meat residue on surfaces.

These unsanitary conditions created an environment where Listeria monocytogenes could thrive, especially in areas like cracks and drains that are hard to clean.

The bacteria were found in deli meats sampled from various retail locations, and whole genome sequencing confirmed that these strains matched those causing the outbreak.

Despite repeated warnings from inspectors, the issues persisted, ultimately leading to the largest listeria outbreak in over a decade.

The facility has since been shut down for failing to meet safety standards, as the contaminated products have been linked to multiple illnesses and deaths.

What Should I Do If I Ate Contaminated Boar's Head Products?

If you consumed any of the recalled Boar’s Head products, it’s important to monitor yourself for symptoms of listeria infection, such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, which can appear up to 70 days after exposure.

Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, should be especially vigilant.

Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated meat.

If symptoms develop, seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider of the potential exposure.

You may also consider contacting a lawyer if you’ve been affected.

Our personal injury lawyers are currently investigating the potential for lawsuits filed on behalf of people who have suffered from listeria infections.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a lawsuit.

Do You Qualify for a Boar's Head Lawsuit?

If you’ve suffered from listeria-related illness after consuming Boar’s Head deli meats, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

The recent outbreak has resulted in severe health consequences, including hospitalizations and deaths, making legal action a crucial step for affected consumers.

To qualify, you will need to demonstrate that your illness is directly linked to the contaminated products.

Our legal team is currently reviewing cases to help those impacted seek the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to discuss your options and determine if you qualify for a Boar’s Head Lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence for a Lawsuit

Gathering thorough and accurate evidence is essential to building a strong case.

This evidence will help establish the link between the contaminated products and the harm you or a loved one have suffered.

Below is a list of key pieces of evidence you should collect:

• Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis, treatments, and any hospitalization related to listeriosis.
• Proof of Purchase: Receipts, credit card statements, or other documentation showing you purchased Boar’s Head products during the recall period.
• Product Packaging: Keep any packaging from the recalled items, particularly if it shows the affected lot numbers or production dates.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos of the product packaging, the food itself, and any symptoms or injuries sustained.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who can confirm the purchase and consumption of the contaminated products, as well as the impact on your health.

Assessing Damages for a Lawsuit

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred due to a listeria infection.

Accurately calculating damages is crucial for ensuring you receive fair compensation for the harm caused by a listeria infection.

Below is a list of potential damages you may be able to claim:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, and ongoing treatment related to the infection.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work while recovering from the illness.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the infection.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the diminished ability to enjoy activities and aspects of life that you could before the infection.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has passed away due to listeriosis, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, which has resulted in numerous illnesses and deaths across multiple states.

If you’ve been affected by this outbreak, whether through illness or the loss of a loved one, you may be entitled to seek compensation.

TorHoerman Law is committed to thoroughly examining the facts of each case to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.

Contact our team today to learn more about your legal options and to find out if you qualify for a lawsuit.