The ongoing outbreak of Listeria tied to contaminated Boar’s Head-brand meat products is the largest in thirteen years. Across 18 states, 57 people have been hospitalized and nine have tragically died. Since symptoms of Listeria infection may not present for up to 10 weeks, it is likely that both case numbers and deaths will increase before the outbreak is over.
Prior to the current incident, a Listeria outbreak in 2011 from contaminated cantaloup was one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States. It was traced back to Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado, where contaminated cantaloupes were found to be the source of the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This outbreak ultimately resulted in 33 deaths and 147 confirmed cases of illness across 28 states.
The outbreak began in late July 2011 and continued until October of the same year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported the outbreak on September 12, 2011, when 15 people in four states were confirmed to be infected. The numbers quickly rose, and by the end of September, 84 cases and 15 deaths were reported. The outbreak continued to spread, eventually affecting 28 states, with the highest number of cases in Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.
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.
The investigation into the outbreak revealed that the contamination likely occurred in the packing facility at Jensen Farms. The facility had several sanitation issues, including pooling water on the floor and old, hard-to-clean equipment. These conditions created an environment where Listeria could thrive and contaminate the cantaloupes. The cantaloupes were distributed to various states, leading to the widespread nature of the outbreak.
In response, a massive recall of the contaminated cantaloupes was initiated. Public health officials advised consumers to discard any cantaloupes from Jensen Farms and to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the fruit. The outbreak prompted increased scrutiny of food safety practices, particularly in the handling and processing of fresh produce.
While the impact of the Boar’s Head incident has yet to be fully measured, the deadly 2011 cantaloupe listeria outbreak highlighted the importance of stringent food safety measures and the need for regular inspections and proper sanitation in food processing facilities.
Commenting on this story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “The 2011 outbreak and current Boar’s Head case exemplify the critical role that public health agencies play in quickly identifying and responding to outbreaks of foodborne illness to prevent further sickness. However, the deaths of nine victims so far in the current outbreak shows there is still much work to be done to protect public health.”
