Injury Claims Logo

Boar's Head Listeria Class Action Lawsuit

Boar's Head Listeria Class Action Lawsuit Updates December 2024

October 8, 2024

  • Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak Death Toll Rises to 10: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed another death linked to the listeria outbreak associated with Boar's Head deli meats. The latest fatality occurred in New York, bringing the total number of deaths to 10. This tragic news comes as Boar's Head faces increasing scrutiny from law enforcement and lawmakers, as well as multiple lawsuits from victims and their families.

October 1, 2024

  • Boar's Head Faces Law Enforcement Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed that Boar's Head is under investigation by law enforcement officials. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has declined to release inspection and enforcement records related to the company's plants, citing an ongoing investigation.

  • Lawmakers Call for Criminal Charges: Adding to the pressure, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro have urged the USDA and the Department of Justice to investigate potential criminal charges against Boar's Head in connection with the listeria outbreak.

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.

Think you might be affected by the Boar's Head listeria recall? Fill out the form on this page to get a free case evaluation.

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):
    • L. innocua
    • L. welshimeri
    • L. monocytogenes (causes listeriosis in humans)
    • L. seeligeri
    • L. ivanovii (primarily causes disease in animals)
    • Nonhemolytic:
    • Hemolytic:


Concerned about the Boar’s Head recall? Fill out the form on this page to explore your legal options today.

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.

Click HERE to Fill out the form on this page to find out if you qualify for a claim.



Illustration of a mobile device getting an email notification
Our Mission at Injury Claims

Injury Claims keeps you informed about lawsuits large and small that could affect your daily life. We simplify the complexities of class actions lawsuits, open class action settlements, mass torts, and individual cases to ensure you understand how these legal matters could impact your rights and interests.

Legal Updates That Matter to You

If you think a recent legal case might affect you, action is required. Select a class action lawsuit or class action settlement, share your details, and connect with a qualified attorney who will explain your legal options and assist in pursuing any compensation due. Take the first step now to secure your rights.

Injury Claims Logo
injuryclaims.com is owned and operated by Typhon Interactive located at 1712 Pioneer Ave. Suite 2329, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 and is a group advertising model that is not a law firm or lawyer referral service. It matches those in need of legal services with law firms that provide those services for compensation from participating law firms. Images may not depict actual events or real persons. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based on advertisements alone. FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Some cases may be referred to co-counsel depending on the nature and venue of a particular case. In cases in which a participating lawyer associates with other counsel, the law firm maintains joint responsibility for the case in accordance with the rules of the particular state and with informed consent of the client. Never stop taking any prescription drug without first consulting with a doctor. This information does not create any legal relationship between Typhon Interactive, participating lawyers, agents or co-counsel and any viewer or user. The receipt or transmission of information through such communication does not create an attorney- client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is not formed by reading this communication, by calling a telephone number appearing in an ad, by sending email communications or submitting a form. An attorney-client relationship is formed only by express written mutual agreement through a retainer contract. Your use of information through this communication is at your own risk. Under no circumstances will participating law firms, any of its lawyers, agents or co-counsel be liable to you or any other individual for any special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of, or access to, this information. For some participating law firms, legal Services do not include those involving Florida or Louisiana law. For some participating law firms, Cases not accepted for matters in Florida and Louisiana. Advertising paid for by participating attorneys in a joint advertising program, including Kevin Danesh, licensed to practice law only in California. A complete list of joint advertising attorneys can be found here. You can request an attorney by name. Injury Claims is not a law firm or an attorney referral service.