On July 24, 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. issued a recall for its deli meat products due to possible contamination by a dangerous bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is the third leading cause of death by food poisoning in the U.S., claiming approximately 260 lives each year. Since the Boar’s Head recall was issued, a total of 9 people have died, likely more when considering those that go unreported.
The contaminated products were distributed from a Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia where the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found disastrous conditions and shocking health violations. Keep reading to learn more about what led to this Boar’s Head recall for Listeria, how to stay safe, and when it may be time to call a product liability lawyer or a wrongful death lawyer.
In this Article:
- What caused the 2024 Boar’s Head to recall?
- What is Listeria?
- Watch Out for These Boar’s Head Deli Products…
- Symptoms of Listeria
- What to do with contaminated Boar’s Head Meat
- Call a Boar’s Head Product Liability or Wrongful Death Lawyer
What caused the 2024 Boar’s Head to recall?
The Boar’s Head plant in Jarrett, Virginia had been flagged for various health violations by health inspectors for nearly a year leading up to the recent recall. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found reports of bug infestations, mold, mildew, and a rancid spell throughout the cooler’s plant.
“This is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
More than 57 hospitalizations across 18 states, including Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico, have been linked to the Listeria outbreak with at least 9 deaths. The FCIS is working with the CDC to investigate this multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to meats sliced at delis.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a species of disease-causing bacteria, can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals. Usually, cooler temperatures prevent bacteria growth which is why we keep many foods in a refrigerator or freezer.
However, refrigeration and other food preservation measures don’t stop the growth of Listeria as the bacteria can still survive under these conditions. If a person eats food contaminated with Listeria, they can develop a disease called listeriosis. Even pets can become sick and spread the bacteria in the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Listeria.
Watch Out for These Boar’s Head Deli Products…
If you’ve recently purchased any of Boar’s Head deli meat products, either pre-packaged or sliced at the deli counter, check your fridge! It is crucial to look out for any of the following Boar’s Head deli products that are included in the recent Boar’s Head recall:
- Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
- The “sell by” dates on these products range from July 29, 2024, through Oct. 24, 2024.
- This includes 71 products product produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names.
View Full List of Boar’s Head Recalled Products.
Symptoms of Listeria
People who have eaten the contaminated Boar’s Head meat may see mild symptoms of listeriosis within a few hours to a few days. Mild symptoms of listeriosis include flu-like symptoms such as:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fever
- muscle aches
However, some of the more severe symptoms of listeriosis may not develop until up to 10 weeks after consuming recalled Boar’s Head deli meat. Severe symptoms to look out for include:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- loss of balance
- confusion
- convulsions due to gastrointestinal symptoms
Who is at risk?
Listeriosis from eating contaminated meat can be very serious as the disease can lead to death. So far, 9 people have died in the 2024 Boar’s Head recall and those numbers are likely to rise. While anyone can get extremely sick from Listeria, some populations are at a much higher risk of serious illness:
- adults 65 and older
- persons with weakened immune systems
- pregnant woman as the infection can cause stillbirths, miscarriages, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of a newborn.
If serious symptoms develop, you should seek medical attention right away. A serious Listeriosis infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Plenty of rest, fluids, a light diet, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be enough to treat a mild Listeriosis infection. People who are at a higher risk of infection should always contact their medical provider immediately if they believe they ate any deli product on the Boar’s Head recall list.
What to do with contaminated Boar’s Head Meat
It should go without saying, but never, ever, eat recalled meats. If any of these products have been purchased, they must be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
But don’t stop there. Listeria can easily spread across several different surfaces, putting consumers at risk of consuming contaminated food. Make sure to thoroughly clean your refrigerator as well as any other surface the bacteria might have come in contact with to prevent cross-contamination.
What Businesses Should Do
Many delis across the country carry Boar’s Head products. These businesses should also take proper steps to prevent the spread of Listeria from these products.
- Throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces, including deli slicers.
- Notify customers of the recall
- For more safety tips, see the FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in delis.
Call a Boar’s Head Product Liability or Wrongful Death Lawyer
Boar’s Head received several flags for dozens of health violations leading up to the most recent recall. There is no excuse for such a severe and ongoing problem. Product liability laws require businesses to ensure their products meet food safety standards and protect the health and well-being of their customers. When they fall short of this expectation, they can be held liable for any injuries caused by their product including food poisoning.
If you or your loved one became severely ill and required hospitalization due to eating Boar’s Head’s contaminated meat, a product liability lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to recover damages. Damages available in a product liability lawsuit can include hospital fees, lost wages, future treatment, and even pain and suffering.
If you have tragically lost a loved one due to Listeriosis in the 2024 Boar’s Head recall, you may consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer. Boar’s Head should be held accountable for their negligence and your loved one deserves justice.
For a FREE consultation, contact Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry Wins.
