Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. is investigating claims on behalf of individuals diagnosed with Listeria and individuals not diagnosed with Listeria but those who purchased affected/recalled Boars Head products. Boar’s Head has expanded its recall of liverwurst and deli meats after the USDA linked its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst to a nationwide listeria outbreak.
This decision, made out of caution, involves all products produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia facility. The expanded recall now includes a variety of deli meats purchased before July 31, such as ham, sausage, bacon, bologna, and pork and beef frankfurters. As a result, Boar’s Head has temporarily halted its ready-to-eat operations at the Jarratt facility.The listeria outbreak has caused illnesses in 12 states across the Midwest, East Coast, and Southern U.S., resulting in two confirmed deaths.
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium often found in contaminated food, particularly deli meats and unpasteurized products. The illness it causes, known as listeriosis, can be life-threatening, especially for older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms may vary, but common signs include:
In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or central nervous system, causing conditions such as meningitis or sepsis. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through a blood test, spinal fluid test, or cultures from other body fluids.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics, but recovery can be difficult, especially for high-risk groups. In severe cases, patients may experience long-term complications such as:
Sadly, some individuals do not survive the illness. The CDC has reported two deaths in connection with this outbreak, and many survivors face prolonged recovery due to the lasting effects of the infection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated the ongoing listeria outbreak linked to deli meats, confirming a total of 28 illnesses, 28 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 12 states. States affected include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Many individuals affected by the outbreak reported eating deli meat sliced at deli counters, and CDC investigators are working to pinpoint the specific contaminated products. The CDC warns that deli-sliced meats, in particular, pose a risk for listeria contamination and advises consumers to reheat any deli-sliced meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming them. The agency also recommends thoroughly cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the deli meats.
According to the CDC, the actual number of affected individuals may be higher than currently reported, as it can take up to four weeks to determine if a sick individual is part of an outbreak.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this outbreak, you may be entitled to compensation. At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C., we are committed to helping those harmed by unsafe products. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
[2] https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
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