Listeria Outbreak Law Firm

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (“CDC“) announced a concerning outbreak of Listeria illnesses linked to deli meats, including liverwurst. On July 26th, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) issued a large-scale recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats after an unopened package tested positive for Listeria in a Maryland deli. The FDA confirmed on July 30th that the Listeria strain found in the liverwurst matched the outbreak strain, leaving Boar’s Head fully accountable. Boar’s Head has since recalled other deli meats produced on the same day due to the risk of contamination. Further testing also detected the outbreak strain in liverwurst samples from a New York deli.

As of August 28th, the Listeria outbreak has affected at least 57 people since June 1st, all of whom have required hospitalization. Tragically, 9 people lost their lives due to this avoidable outbreak. While the majority of the cases are concentrated in New York and Maryland, individuals in 16 other states have also fallen ill. Because Listeria symptoms can take 4 to 6 weeks to emerge, the actual number of affected individuals is likely much higher.

An investigation by the USDA at Boar’s Head’s Virginia production facility uncovered alarming conditions, including green mold, leaking pipes, and food residue on surfaces that came into contact with ready-to-eat products. The presence of Listeria bacteria was also detected on a mobile pallet jack in an area where it could contaminate food. Due to these violations, Boar’s Head has permanently closed this facility.

At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C., we have a long history of representing individuals affected by outbreaks such as this one. We are actively seeking compensation for those harmed. If you or a loved one contracted a Listeria infection after consuming deli meat, contact us for a free consultation.

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Recalled Products

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a 44-day shelf life. The following liverwurst products have been recalled:

• 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced at retail delis, labeled “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA” with sell-by dates from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024.

Other recalled deli meat products produced on June 27, 2024, include:

• Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM (9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. packages) with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM (4-lb. packages) with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM (6-lb. packages) with sell-by date “AUG 10”
• Boar’s Head BOLOGNA, BEEF SALAMI, STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT, GARLIC BOLOGNA, and BEEF BOLOGNA with sell-by dates “AUG 10” to “AUG 15”

The products were distributed to retail delis across the country and bear the establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA inspection mark.

After the Listeria link was confirmed, Boar’s Head recalled an additional seven million pounds of products and permanently closed its Virginia facility.

What is Listeria?

Listeriosis is a severe infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It can affect anyone but is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, with a fetal loss rate of around 20%. Newborns may also suffer life-threatening infections, with newborn death occurring in about 3% of cases.

Severe Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, and changes in alertness, among others. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis, seek medical care immediately.

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