Boar’s Head Recalls 7 Million Pounds of Del Meat Over Listeria Concerns
Boar’s Head has expanded a recall of its meat products to include 7 million additional pounds of deli and poultry meat items after a deadly multistate outbreak of listeria infections.
According to an NBC news report, as of July 30, 34 people have become sick across 13 states in the outbreak, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. The fatalities included one patient in Illinois and another in New Jersey.
Last week, the deli meat company recalled more than 207,000 pounds of its products, including liverwurst and ham, because they may contain the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
Details of the Boars Meat Recall
Now, that recall has been expanded to include 71 products, including meat intended for slicing at delis and some meat and poultry products, produced from May 10 to July 29 under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names.
The products included in the recall have “sell by” dates ranging from July 29 through Oct. 17, 2024, and were distributed to locations nationwide and some to the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama.
After a Maryland Department of Health sample of liverwurst tested positive for listeria, according to Boar’s Head, it started the recall. Health officials in that state further tested and determined that the product sample “tested positive for the outbreak strain.”
Boar’s Head said the first voluntary recall was for its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst and nine other products produced at its Jarratt, Virginia, facility.
On Monday, the company learned from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the Strassburger Brand Liverwurst had been linked to the national deli meat listeria outbreak.
So, they expanded the recall to include all items at the Jarratt facility. The company also stated that they have decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility until further notice. Those who have any of these recalled products are asked to discard them or return them to the store.
It is important to remember to clean out refrigerators since listeria bacteria can grow in cold temperatures and spread to other foods.
The outbreak, traced back to a processing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has caused three deaths and hospitalized nearly 43 people across 13 states. The recall includes 71 different items, such as liverwurst, ham, salami, and bologna, produced between May 10 and July 29.
The listeria strain was identified in a liverwurst sample in Maryland, matching the strain affecting patients. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products and to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with them to prevent further contamination.
A couple is suing Boar’s Head and the shop they purchased the meat from after the wife became deathly ill.
Why Listeria Infections Are Dangerous
Listeria bacteria, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, are responsible for listeriosis, a severe infection typically contracted by consuming contaminated food.
Common sources include unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables, deli meats, and processed foods. Listeria is particularly resilient, capable of surviving and even thriving in refrigerated environments, making it a significant concern in food safety.
Symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. In healthy individuals, symptoms might be mild, resembling the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea.
However, in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can be far more severe.
In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe infection in the newborn. Symptoms for these women often resemble those of a mild flu, but the consequences for the fetus can be severe.
The bacteria can spread to the nervous system for other high-risk groups, causing symptoms like headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
In severe cases, it can lead to septicemia (blood infection) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain). Prompt medical treatment with antibiotics is crucial for managing severe listeriosis.
What to Do If You Have Suffered from Listeria Food Poisoning
If you have suffered from listeriosis, here are a few important steps you can take in order to protect your rights and seek compensation for your losses:
Seek medical attention. Your first priority should be your health. Seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat listeriosis properly. Ensure that all medical consultations, treatments, and prescriptions are well-documented.
Document everything. Keep detailed records of your illness, including symptoms, medical visits, treatments, and any impact on your daily life. Collect medical records, test results, and hospital bills. Documentation is crucial for establishing the severity of your illness and its connection to listeriosis.
Identify the source. Determine the likely source of the infection. Listeriosis is often traced to contaminated food products. Identify where and when you consumed the suspect food. Retain any packaging or receipts related to the product.
Report to the authorities. Report your illness to local health authorities or the relevant food safety agencies. They may investigate the source of the contamination, which can support your case. This also helps prevent further outbreaks.
Reach out to an injury lawyer. Contact a personal injury or food safety lawyer experienced in handling foodborne illness cases. They can provide legal advice, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through the compensation process.
Collect evidence. Work with your lawyer to gather evidence linking the contaminated food to your illness. This may include epidemiological data, laboratory results, and expert testimonies. The evidence should clearly establish that the product caused your illness.
What Types of Compensation Can Victims Receive?
In a food poisoning case, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to address the full extent of your suffering and losses. Medical expenses are often the most immediate concern, covering costs for hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatments.
Lost wages can be claimed if your illness forced you to miss work, including potential future earnings if your condition results in long-term disability. Victims may also be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress endured during and after the illness.
Loss of consortium may be considered if the illness negatively impacts your relationship with a spouse or family members. Punitive damages might also be pursued in cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing by the responsible party, serving as a deterrent against future negligence.
Additionally, travel expenses for medical treatments and other related out-of-pocket costs can be reimbursed.
Each food poisoning case is unique, and the total compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the illness, its impact on your quality of life, and the degree of negligence involved on the part of the defendants.
Consulting with a food poisoning lawyer who handles such cases can help ensure you receive fair and comprehensive compensation for your ordeal.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boars-head-recall-expands-include-7-million-pounds-deli-meat-listeria-rcna164446
