The determination that Boar’s Head was the likely source of the recent listeria outbreak was based on a combination of epidemiological investigations, genetic testing, and regulatory inspections.
- Epidemiological Evidence: Public health officials traced the outbreak to Boar’s Head products after multiple cases of listeriosis were linked to consumption of their deli meats. The outbreak was particularly widespread, affecting at least 57 individuals across multiple states and resulting in nine deaths. The geographic distribution of cases and their correlation with the consumption of Boar’s Head products provided strong epidemiological evidence pointing to a common source.
- Genetic Testing: Whole genome sequencing played a critical role in confirming Boar’s Head products as the source. A specific strain of Listeria monocytogenes was identified in a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health. This strain matched the genetic profile of the bacteria found in the infected patients, thereby establishing a direct link between the product and the outbreak.
- Inspection and Regulatory Findings: Inspections at the Boar’s Head processing facility in Jarratt, Virginia, uncovered significant non-compliance issues. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented 69 violations in the year leading up to the outbreak, including problems related to sanitation and food safety practices. These findings suggested lapses in the facility’s ability to prevent contamination, which likely contributed to the outbreak.
These combined pieces of evidence led to the recall of over 7.2 million pounds of deli meat, and the outbreak has been recognized as one of the largest in the U.S. since 2011.
What is the Role of the food interview in a traceback investigation into food poisoning?
In a traceback investigation into food poisoning, the food interview is a crucial step used to identify the potential source of contamination. Here’s how it plays a role:
- Gathering Detailed Consumption History: During a food interview, investigators ask the affected individuals detailed questions about what they ate, when, and where. This includes specific food items, brands, preparation methods, and dining locations (e.g., restaurants, home, or events). This detailed history helps narrow down the possible sources of the foodborne illness.
- Identifying Common Links: By interviewing multiple affected individuals, investigators can identify common food items or dining experiences among those who are sick. For example, if several people who became ill report eating the same brand of lettuce or visiting the same restaurant, this points investigators toward a specific source that needs further examination.
- Guiding Laboratory Testing and Inspections: The information from food interviews helps direct laboratory testing of suspected food items for pathogens and guides inspections at food production or distribution facilities. This targeted approach is more efficient than broad testing and inspections.
- Tracing the Food Supply Chain: Once a common food item is identified, the food interview data helps investigators trace the item back through the supply chain to determine where contamination likely occurred. This could be at the farm, processing plant, distribution center, or retail location.
- Supporting Outbreak Control Measures: The information gathered from food interviews supports public health officials in making informed decisions about recalling products, issuing public health alerts, or implementing other control measures to prevent further cases of illness.
By effectively gathering and analyzing data through food interviews, public health officials can more rapidly and accurately identify the source of foodborne illness outbreaks, thereby minimizing the spread of the disease.
How do we know Gunther Morgenstein, who died on July 18th following a harrowing illness, ate boars head liverwurst?
Gunther Morgenstein’s consumption of Boar’s Head liverwurst was confirmed through the process of traceback investigation, which included food interviews and testing. During the food interview, Morgenstein’s family reported him eating Boar’s Head liverwurst, which was later confirmed through epidemiological data. The Maryland Department of Health tested a sample of liverwurst from Boar’s Head, which matched the strain of Listeria monocytogenes found in the infected patients, including Mr. Morgenstein. This genetic match, combined with his reported consumption, linked his illness directly to the contaminated Boar’s Head product (FSIS USDA).
The Listeria Lawyer who file the Boar’s Head listeria wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family, Ron Simon, stated: “There is no doubt that the cause of Mr. Morgenstein’s death was listeriosis. In fact, it states exactly that on his death certificate. Mr. Morgenstein, as evinced in the many heartfelt and warm stories written about him in the last month, was a wonderful and active man, a good husband and father, and an example of hard work and a good life. He will be missed greatly.”
Is the investigation into the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head over?
The outbreak has been definitively traced back to products from Boar’s Head’s facility in Jarratt, Virginia.
An investigation by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) uncovered significant health violations at the facility, including the presence of black mold, mildew, and insects. These unsanitary conditions likely contributed to the contamination of various deli products, including liverwurst, which tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. This discovery led to an extensive recall of approximately 7 million pounds of deli meats and poultry products produced at the Virginia facility between May and July 2024.
The CDC has advised consumers to check their homes for any remaining recalled products and to avoid consuming deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. The facility has since suspended operations to address the contamination issues and retrain employees (CDC. KTNN – St. Michaels, AZ).
