Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Attorneys
The recent Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak of July 2024 has raised serious concerns for consumers who may have unknowingly purchased contaminated products. Boar’s Head Provision Company, a well-known name in the food industry, has been serving consumers for over a century. From deli meats to cheeses, their premium products have graced countless sandwiches and charcuterie boards. But recent concerns stemming from the Listeria outbreak have cast a shadow over this brand, leading many to question its trustworthiness.
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What Is Listeria?
Listeria, scientifically known as Listeria monocytogenes, is the bacterium responsible for the foodborne illness known as Listeriosis. This harmful bacteria is commonly found in various natural environments, including decaying vegetation, soil, groundwater, and animal feces. However, humans typically contract Listeria through the consumption of contaminated food products. Once ingested, it can lead to a serious infection known as listeriosis, which primarily affects vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, seniors (ages 65 and older), and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Where Does Listeria Grow?
Listeria is remarkably resilient, thriving in cold temperatures, which makes it a significant concern for certain foods, especially deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and soft cheeses. If proper food safety practices are not followed, these foods can become contaminated during processing or handling. Because Listeria can grow in refrigeration conditions, even foods that are otherwise considered safe can pose a risk if they harbor this bacterium.
What Is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, often found in contaminated foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized products. While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms, it poses a significant risk to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to severe complications such as meningitis or miscarriage. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential, though prevention through food safety is key.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
The symptoms of listeriosis can take anywhere from 3 to 70 days to manifest after exposure, making it challenging to identify the source of the infection. If you or your loved ones start experiencing any of the symptoms below, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to inform them if you’ve consumed any deli meats purchased from a deli store within the past 3 to 70 days, as this information can assist in diagnosis and treatment.
The symptoms of listeriosis can include the following:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
Listeriosis in Pregnant Women
Listeriosis can be an alarming concern for pregnant women since infection can lead to significant complications or loss of the pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, fever, nausea, or diarrhea following exposure to contaminated food, seek medical attention right away.
Impact of Listeria on Infants
Although it may seem odd to consider contamination from typical food as a danger to an infant, listeriosis can be passed to infants from their caregivers. In newborns, exposure to Listeria can lead to serious health concerns and is particularly alarming due to their vulnerable immune systems. Symptoms may manifest as a high fever, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, and a noticeable decrease in appetite, all of which require immediate medical attention. It is crucial for caregivers to monitor for these symptoms closely and seek prompt medical intervention to ensure the well-being of the newborn.
How Listeria Affects Children Under Five
For children under the age of five, Listeria can cause severe illness and sometimes death. Like infants, this age group is at high risk as their immune systems are still developing, leaving them more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Symptoms of listeriosis may include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions that require prompt medical attention.
Listeriosis Symptoms in Adults
In adults, the symptoms can vary widely, including fever, confusion, loss of balance, persistent headaches, muscle aches, convulsions, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or nausea. In severe cases, the bacteria can invade critical areas such as the brain, nervous system, and bloodstream, leading to life-threatening conditions like meningitis, sepsis, or encephalitis.
Listeriosis in Seniors
Seniors are also highly susceptible to listeriosis due to weakened immune systems. If you or your loved one above the age of 65 have consumed deli meats and are experiencing symptoms like fever, confusion, difficulty balancing, weakness or stiffness in the neck, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Why Listeria Is Especially Dangerous for Pregnant Women
Listeria presents a particularly grave risk for pregnant women due to its potential to cause severe complications. The infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health issues in newborns, such as sepsis or meningitis. Pregnant women are approximately 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis compared to the general population due to physiological changes during pregnancy that may lower their immune response. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to receive prompt medical care if they suspect exposure to Listeria. Avoiding high-risk foods like sliced deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses, and ready-to-eat meats is essential for safeguarding maternal and fetal health.
Can Listeria Bacteria Be Killed?
Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can survive in low temperatures, making it a particular concern for food safety. Listeria can actually multiply and thrive even at the colder temperatures found in a refrigerator or freezer, posing a significant risk if consumed. To effectively combat this bacteria, it is crucial to cook food to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), as this temperature is sufficient to kill Listeria and ensure that the food is safe to eat. Additionally, it’s important to use sanitizing agents on all areas and surfaces that may have been contaminated. This includes countertops, cutting boards, and utensils that come into contact with raw food, as proper sanitation minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and helps maintain a safe kitchen environment.
What Is Boar's Head?
Boar’s Head Provision Company is a American food manufacturer specializing in deli meats, cheeses, condiments, and other specialty products. Founded in 1905 by Frank Brunckhorst, the company has built a reputation for producing high-quality, flavorful products that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and fillers. Over the years, Boar’s Head has expanded its product line to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Their commitment to quality has earned them a loyal customer base and a prominent place in the food industry. However, recent events have raised questions about the brand’s food safety practices and overall reliability.
Origins of Boar's Head
Boar’s Head Provision Company was founded by Frank Brunckhorst in Brooklyn, New York. The company started as a small family business, focusing on providing premium, high-quality deli products to local markets. Over the years, Boar’s Head expanded its operations and product offerings, becoming a household name in the United States. Despite its success, recent concerns about food contamination have emerged, raising questions about the company’s commitment to food safety and its ability to protect consumers from harm.
Where Are Boar's Head Products Distributed?
Boar’s Head products can be found in various retail locations across the United States. Their products are typically sold in the deli section of grocery stores, as well as in specialty food shops and some online retailers. With the recent concerns about food contamination, many consumers are questioning whether these distribution channels are doing enough to ensure the safety and quality of Boar’s Head products. Some of the major grocery chains that carry Boar’s Head products include:
- Publix
- Kroger
- Wegmans
- Safeway
- Harris Teeter
Boar’s Head Listeria Recall
Boar’s Head has issued a recall for specific products due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall affects all liverwurst products manufactured at their Jarratt, Virginia facility that are currently available for sale, as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, the company is recalling other deli meat products produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst, which may also carry the risk of L. monocytogenes contamination. In total, approximately 7 million pounds of products that were distributed throughout the United States are being recalled. The affected ready-to-eat liverwurst was produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and has a shelf life of 44 days.
What Should I Do If I Have Recalled Boar's Head Products?
If you have found the deli meats in your fridge that have been part of the recall with the labels “EST. 12612” or “P-12612,” please dispose of them or call the store where it was purchased about returns. If you are unsure if the Boar’s Head deli meat is a recalled product, it’s highly advised to throw it out. After disposal of the potentially contaminated products, thoroughly sanitize your refrigerator and any surfaces and objects that have come in contact with them.
Timeline of the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak
The timeline of the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak began when the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) received notification that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. In response, the Maryland Department of Health, working with the Baltimore City Health Department, retrieved an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of their investigation into L. monocytogenes infections. FSIS is now partnering with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and various state health agencies to gather more information about the outbreak, which has affected multiple states.
How Has Boar's Head Responded to the CDC's Announcement?
In July, Boar’s Head initiated a recall of all products identified as contaminated. Originally recalling 207,528 pounds, the company has expanded the recall to encompass all items produced at the Jarratt facility between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024.
Inspection Records Are Released by Boar's Head
USDA inspection reports from the Jarratt production facility for 2023 and 2024 reveal 69 instances of food safety non-compliance. These reports highlight serious issues, including mold, mildew, standing water, insect contamination, and various other unsanitary conditions present at the plant. Additional FSIS records describe troubling findings such as sludge, black smudges, slimy textures, putrid odors, and thick, flaking rust in areas above the production lines.
Boar's Head Closes Its Jarratt, VA Plant
In a company email dated September 13, 2024, Boar’s Head announced the permanent closure of its production facility in Jarratt, VA. Alongside this decision, the company has appointed a new Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer and established a Boar’s Head Safety Council. These initiatives signify the implementation of stricter hygiene protocols, increased product testing, and regular inspections aimed at preventing future outbreaks.
Liverwurst Will No Longer Be Offered as a Boar's Head Product
In addition to the closure of its Virginia facility, Boar’s Head has announced the discontinuation of liverwurst production, which has been identified as the source of the outbreak. The company’s investigation revealed that the contamination stemmed from the specific processes employed at the Jarratt facility during the production of liverwurst.
How Have People Been Impacted by the Listeria Outbreak?
As of the CDC’s progress update on August 28, 2024, 57 people, including one pregnant woman, have been hospitalized due to Boar’s Head-related Listeria contamination. The patients have been spread across 18 states. While the majority of victims have recovered from their illness, nine have died from the outbreak. The CDC is reporting that this is the worst Listeria outbreak to occur in the United States since 2011.
Victims of the Listeria Outbreak Have Begun Filing Lawsuits
By the end of July, the first lawsuit against Boar’s Head regarding the Listeria outbreak was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court. This initial case was swiftly followed by a class action lawsuit in New York. Shortly thereafter, the first identified pregnant victim of the outbreak filed her lawsuit in Minnesota. By the end of August, a wrongful death lawsuit had been submitted in Florida. Most recently, on September 6, 2024, the first multi-million dollar lawsuit was filed against Boar’s Head in connection with the outbreak.
Who Can File a Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit?
Anyone affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak may be eligible to file a lawsuit. If you meet the criteria below, please contact Farah & Farah for a free consultation:
- Diagnosed with Listeria poisoning
- Experiencing symptoms of listeriosis
- Hospitalized due to Listeria exposure
- Exposure to Listeria-contaminated products while pregnant
- Lost a loved one to listeriosis from a Boar's Head product
Class Action vs. Individual Lawsuit: Which Is Right for You?
Those affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak may file an individual lawsuit or join a class action. A class action lawsuit involves multiple plaintiffs with similar claims, while a single person files an individual lawsuit. Every decision has its positives and drawbacks. While legal costs are lower in a class action lawsuit, there is a possible lower compensation than if you were to file an individual lawsuit. If the class action consists of smaller claims, resolutions are found faster, but you have less control over what occurs during the proceedings. Speak with your legal representative about your situation to identify which process will be right for you.
Farah & Farah’s Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak Attorneys Are Ready To Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, seeking legal counsel is crucial. Here at Farah & Farah, our experienced Listeria lawsuit lawyers understand the complexities of food safety law and what goes on under foodborne illness cases. Our Listeria attorneys can assist you in building a strong case and achieving compensation. We can guide you through the legal process, from gathering evidence to pursuing justice against the responsible parties. Contact Farah & Farah today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable.
If you answered yes to the above questions, contact Farah & Farah now for a free consultation. One of our highly trained attorneys specializing in product liability and medical cases can help determine if you have a case. You won’t pay anything unless your case is successful, so don’t wait to get the justice you deserve!
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