Note: Ron Simon & Associates, the national Listeria lawyers, now represent one of the families of a man who died shortly after consuming the Listeria-Tainted cold-cuts (Sandwich meats).
As previously reported on by Food Poisoning News, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats, which was later expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of product, has been updated with new information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
August 8, 2024 Update
- Nine additional cases of Listeria infection from consumption of the recalled sliced deli meats have been recorded, bringing the total current count to 43 cases
- Ten additional hospitalizations have been reported, bringing the total current count to 43
- Another death has been reported, bringing the total current count to three with one death in Illinois, one in New Jersey, and the latest in Virginia
- The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Food Safety and Inspection took unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst products from retail stores for testing. The New York State Food Laboratory identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in these products. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) confirmed that the strain found matched the one responsible for making people sick in the current outbreak.
Consumer Advisory
Given the severity of the potential health risks, all consumers, whether or not they are generally healthy or at greater risk of serious infection, who have purchased these products should not consume them.
The products should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase.
Consumers are also advised to thoroughly clean their refrigerators, containers, or surfaces to prevent additional chances of contamination with other foods.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can call Boar’s Head customer service line at 800-352-6277.
Commercial Advisory
Retail delis are instructed to take precautionary measures, including cleaning and sanitizing all food and non-food surfaces as well as discarding any open meats and cheeses in the deli to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Health Risks
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Commenting on this developing story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “Listeria can cause severe illness and can potentially be deadly. So far, three people have died and many more have become ill. To protect themselves and their loved ones, I strongly, strongly advise any consumer in possession of Boar’s Head products to stop using them immediately and to sanitize any surface or material that may have touched the products.”
According to Ron Simon, the Listeria Lawyer who represents one of the families currently grieving, stated:
“This is a tragedy, especially as there are ways to prevent this from happening.”
