Boar’s Head $3.1 Million Listeria Settlement: Approaching Deadline to File a Claim
In 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. faced a significant public health crisis when its Jarratt, Virginia, facility was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The incident led to a massive recall of deli meats and culminated in a $3.1 million class-action settlement – as well as the settlement of various other Boar’s Head personal injury cases, including at least one wrongful death case.
The Listeria Outbreak and Recall
In July 2024, Boar’s Head initiated a voluntary recall of over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced on July 30, 2024, was linked to products manufactured at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak resulted in 10 deaths and 60 hospitalizations across multiple states . Investigations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that inadequate sanitation practices at the Jarratt plant contributed to the contamination.
Legal Actions and Settlement
Following the outbreak, Boar’s Head faced multiple lawsuits alleging negligence and failure to ensure food safety, including the class-action case in which the company agreed to a $3.1 million class-action settlement to resolve claims related to the contaminated products. The settlement covers consumers in the United States who purchased Boar’s Head meat products between May 10, 2024, and August 12, 2024, for personal, family, or household use.
In addition, at least one wrongful death case was settled by the national food safety law firm of Ron Simon & Associates for an undisclosed amount.
Filing a Claim
Affected consumers have until May 16, 2025, to submit a claim. Those with proof of purchase can receive a full refund for each covered product bought. Without proof, consumers may receive compensation equal to the average retail price for up to two covered products per household.
Claims can be submitted online or by mail through the court-approved settlement website: ColdCutRecallSettlement.com. A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 13, 2025.
Boar’s Head’s Response and Plant Closure
In the wake of the outbreak, Boar’s Head took several measures to address the situation. The company permanently closed its Jarratt, Virginia, plant on September 13, 2024, and discontinued its liverwurst product, which was linked to the initial contamination.
Additionally, Boar’s Head appointed Frank Yiannas, MPH, a renowned food safety expert, as its Chief Food Safety Advisor and established a Food Safety Advisory Council to enhance its food safety protocols.
Implications for the Food Industry
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety measures in the food processing industry. It highlights the need for regular inspections, proper sanitation practices, and swift action in response to contamination to protect public health and maintain consumer trust.
For consumers, this incident serves as a reminder to stay informed about food recalls and to take appropriate actions, such as checking product labels and following recall instructions, to ensure food safety at home.
Final Note
While the $3.1 million settlement by Boar’s Head following the 2024 listeria outbreak represents a significant development in food safety litigation, there are also a number of individual personal injury lawsuits still pending in state courts. The number of cases reflects the legal and financial repercussions companies may face when food safety standards are compromised. As the food industry continues to evolve, maintaining rigorous safety protocols remains paramount to prevent similar incidents in the future
