Listeria contamination of Boar’s Head deli meat has caused 57 cases of illness or hospitalization, including nine deaths.
Boar's Head had issued a recall in July of over 7 million pounds of deli meat due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Originally only linked to a ready-to-eat liverwurst product, the recall has since expanded dozens of products, including sliced ham varieties, sausages, and loaves, all of which were manufactured at the same Virginia plant as the liverwurst.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing, which identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
This recall has affected consumers nationwide and underscores an ongoing lack of food safety measures. If you or someone you love has been affected by contaminated food, contact Morgan & Morgan today. We stand beside victims, fighting to hold negligent food distributors that have endangered consumers.
What Are the Health Risks and Symptoms of Consuming Meat Contaminated by Listeria?
Listeria infection can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection with symptoms including:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
In severe cases, listeriosis can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature delivery. Symptoms may take one to four weeks to show up, or as many as 70 days. If you start showing symptoms, call a healthcare provider.
One of the victims who died from the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak was Gunter Morgenstein, a Holocaust survivor and the subject of the first wrongful death filing against Boar’s Head.
According to court filings, Morgenstein purchased Boar’s Head Liverwurst and other Boar’s Head products, consumed those products on various occasions, and became sick with fatigue, a fever, weakness, and diarrhea.
What Boar’s Head Products Have Been Recalled?
The Boar’s Head website features a full list of the recalled products, which includes roast beef, turkey breast, ham, frankfurters, bacon, bologna, and other deli meats distributed across various retailers and delis throughout the United States.
The recall includes any of these products purchased before July 31, 2024.
Where Did the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Originate?
The 2024 Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has been traced back to a Boar’s Head facility in Virginia. Some consumers have alleged that cost-cutting practices had led to unsanitary conditions for the plant.
According to inspection reports, there were blood puddles on the floor and ceiling fans spraying unidentified liquids on unopened products. There were also reports of insects, ants, cockroaches, trash, and meat residue on other plant surfaces.
What Can I Do About the Deli Meat Recall?
Consumers who have purchased Boar's Head deli meats should check all product labels. Look for the establishment number "EST. 12612" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product packaging. Do not consume any products that are part of the recall and return any contaminated products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely. Keep an eye out for further updates from Boar's Head and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Foodborne illnesses like listeriosis can have severe and lasting effects on individuals and families. Those affected by contaminated food products have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Can Morgan & Morgan Help?
At Morgan & Morgan, we are dedicated to protecting consumers' rights and ensuring that companies are held accountable for the safety of their products.
For over 35 years, we have fought For the People and have recovered over $20 billion for our clients in the process. Our army of over 1,000 lawyers, with offices in every state across the country, makes us the largest personal injury law firm in the nation, meaning there’s no foe too powerful for us to take on.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar's Head recall, reach out today. Our team can hear your story and discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation that you can use to move forward with your life after your unnecessary suffering.
Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.