The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, which emerged in mid-2024, has had severe public health and legal consequences. Linked to unsanitary conditions at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, processing plant, the outbreak has resulted in 10 confirmed deaths and numerous hospitalizations across 19 states. Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that thrives in cold, moist environments, was detected in various Boar’s Head deli meats, including liverwurst, leading to a recall of over 7 million pounds of products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), launched an investigation after contaminated products tested positive for listeria. They discovered extensive issues at the Boar’s Head Virginia plant, including mold, insect presence, meat residue, and noncompliance with basic sanitation standards.
According to the Boar’s Head Listeria Lawyer Ron Simon: “Despite previous warnings, the plant had a history of food safety violations stretching back at least two years, which the company failed to adequately address. This led to the plant’s closure and a permanent halt in the production of liverwurst nationwide.” Mr. Simon represents the family of Gunter Morgenstein, the Holocaust survivor who died after eating a liverwurst sandwich from Boar’s Head.
Boar’s Head faces multiple lawsuits from consumers. The lawsuits claim that Boar’s Head is liable in negligence and strict liability, and may be liable for punitive damages.
In addition to civil litigation, the USDA has confirmed that Boar’s Head is also under criminal investigation, with federal prosecutors exploring whether charges should be brought against the company for its role in the crisis.
The outbreak has sparked wider scrutiny of food safety practices in meat processing plants, with many calling for stricter regulations and more rigorous enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future. The CDC and USDA have stressed the importance of stringent sanitation protocols, particularly in facilities dealing with ready-to-eat meats, which are especially vulnerable to listeria contamination.
Boar’s Head Update on Friday, October 4, 2024
According to an article released earlier today, UPI News reports that Boar’s Head has appointed an interim Chief Food Safety Adviser in response to the deadly Listeria outbreak linked to its products. It states that the company is working to address the food safety concerns that resulted in multiple deaths and hospitalizations across several states. The new adviser will be responsible for improving safety protocols and ensuring better compliance with food safety standards. This move comes amid ongoing investigations and recalls involving millions of pounds of deli meats. The company aims to regain public trust following this crisis.
According to Ron Simon, the national food poisoning lawyer: “This outbreak is believed to have already resolved, and no additional contaminated product should be in circulation.”
