Boar's Head Listeria Class Action Lawsuit Updates September 2024

September 17, 2024:

• Third Boar's Head Lawsuit Filed in Smithfield: A Smithfield man has filed a lawsuit seeking over $48 million in damages from Boar's Head, alleging gross negligence after consuming their deli meat and subsequently contracting Listeria. The lawsuit highlights the company's alleged knowledge of unsanitary practices at their now-closed Jarratt, Virginia plant.

September 13, 2024:

• Boar's Head Closes Plant, Ends Liverwurst Production Amid Listeria Outbreak: Boar's Head has taken decisive action in response to the listeria outbreak linked to its products, permanently closing its Virginia plant and discontinuing the sale of liverwurst. This comes as the company faces mounting legal pressure due to the outbreak and subsequent recall. With its prominent brand reputation and the severe health risks associated with Listeria, this situation is attracting significant public attention and raising concerns about food safety.

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Major Recall Announced After Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Product

On July 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Boar’s Head was recalling its liverwurst product due to potential Listeria contamination, as reported by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The recall also included several ready-to-eat deli meat products, such as Virginia ham, bologna, and salami, all produced on June 27.

On July 30, Boar’s Head expanded the recall to include approximately 7 million additional pounds of meat and poultry, following whole genome sequencing results that linked a liverwurst sample to the Listeria outbreak strain. In total, 71 products were recalled. The outbreak has been connected to 34 illnesses and two deaths across 13 states.

The lawsuits currently being filed are in response to the July 2024 recall of Boar's Head deli meats after Listeria, a dangerous foodborne bacteria, was detected. Listeria poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a serious infection resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It primarily affects elderly individuals, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. However, in rare cases, even those without these risk factors can be affected.

Listeria consists of seven different species, divided into two genomically distinct groups:

• Nonpathogenic species (not disease-causing):
• L. murrayi
• L. grayi
• Pathogenic species (disease-causing):
• Nonhemolytic:
• L. innocua
• L. welshimeri
• Hemolytic:
• L. monocytogenes (causes listeriosis in humans)
• L. seeligeri
• L. ivanovii (primarily causes disease in animals)

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Symptoms of Listeria Infection

The primary symptoms and risks associated with consuming Listeria include:

• Fever: Ranges from mild to high, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Muscle Aches: Generalized muscle pain similar to flu-like symptoms.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Common gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting.
• Diarrhea: Can be mild or severe.
• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may occur.
• Confusion or Disorientation: More severe cases, particularly in vulnerable populations, may experience this.
• Stiff Neck: A potential sign of meningitis, a serious complication.
• Loss of Balance: Particularly concerning if the infection has spread to the nervous system.
• Seizures: Rare but severe, indicating possible brain involvement.

Dangers and Complications of Listeria

• Pregnant Women: Risks include miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
• Septicemia: Listeria can lead to blood poisoning, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition.
• Meningitis: Infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening.
• Endocarditis: A rare but severe complication involving infection of the inner lining of the heart.
• Long-term Neurological Damage: If listeriosis leads to meningitis, it may result in long-term brain damage or neurological impairment.
• Death: Listeriosis can be fatal, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, newborns, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. If you suspect you've consumed contaminated food and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

How Does Listeria Get Into Food?

Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in food, soil, and water, but nearly all medical experts agree that over 99% of listeriosis cases are contracted from eating food contaminated with Listeria. Both animals and humans can carry the bacterium without showing any symptoms, leading to contamination of food products like meats and dairy. Cross-contamination can further spread Listeria to fruits, vegetables, ice cream, and other foods.

The bacterium has been detected in various raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, and in processed foods that become contaminated after processing. Commonly affected items include soft cheeses, cold cuts at the deli counter, cantaloupes, sprouts, and frozen foods. Notably, Listeria thrives in cool temperatures and can survive short-term freezing, making it particularly challenging to eliminate.

USDA inspectors discovered several violations at a Boar's Head plant in Virginia, which has been linked to a nationwide Listeria outbreak. Among the violations were the presence of mold, mildew, and insects. This outbreak, traced back to various contaminated deli meats from the plant, has already caused severe and life-altering health issues for victims across multiple states.

Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak Leads to Hospitalizations and Deaths

According to the CDC, the Boar's Head listeria outbreak has resulted in the following:

• Number of Cases: 57 (including 14 new cases)
• Number of Hospitalizations: 57 (including 14 new hospitalizations)
• Number of Deaths: 9 (including 6 new deaths)
• Number of Affected States: 18 (including 5 new states)

These numbers highlight the severity of the outbreak. With 57 confirmed cases and already 9 fatalities, the full impact of this outbreak is still unfolding, and the final toll could be much higher.
If you or a loved one have experienced symptoms or an illness you believe may be linked to the Boar’s Head listeria recall, seeking a case review can help clarify your options and may lead to rightful compensation.

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