This Summer has seen a high number of recalls due to contamination with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
From raw cheese, to guacamole, walnuts, meatballs, and more, seemingly no category of food has escaped this potentially dangerous bacterium. However, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats from well-known brand Boar’s Head, has consistently featured in the news over the depth and breadth of affected items and lives.
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.
As of this writing, over seven million pounds of Boar’s Head products have been recalled. Forty three illnesses across 13 states have been reported and each of the victims has been hospitalized to receive care. Tragically, three people have died after being infected with Listeriosis.
Günter “Garshon” Morgenstein, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor and master hair stylist, was one of those who perished. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported Morgenstein as the third confirmed death related to this outbreak on August 8, 2024.
Morgenstein, born in Germany in 1936, escaped East Berlin in 1954 and eventually settled in Newport News, Virginia. He built a 70-year career in cosmetology, working with notable organizations and celebrities.
According to an interview with his family in USA Today, Morgenstein led a remarkable life. After emigrating from Germany to Canada, and then the United States, he learned English from watching “English versions of movies (he) had already seen in Germany and walk(ing) the streets trying to read the signs.”
Morgenstein began a career in hair after lying about his age to get a job sweeping floors in a local barber shop and later met his wife while working in a salon. Along the way he worked with celebrities like Tom Jones, Sly and the Family Stone, and famed boxer Muhammad Ali.
Morgenstein was, according to his son, “just a super duper people person” and was a genuine extrovert, enjoying striking up conversations with strangers and friends alike.
Still working until he became ill, Morgenstein was admitted to the hospital on July 8 with breathing difficulties. Although the hospital considered discharging him two days later, Morgenstein’s family requested he stay under care. His condition rapidly deteriorated soon after, and he was diagnosed with listeria meningoencephalitis and sepsis. Medical records confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, with the mode of transmission identified as foodborne.
The family discovered that Morgenstein had purchased recalled Boar’s Head liverwurst matching the outbreak’s timeline and details. He passed away on July 18, ten days after hospitalization.
Boar’s Head expressed regret over the impact of the recall and stated they are conducting an investigation with food safety experts. They have paused production at the affected facility.
Why does it feel like more food recalls than ever? The answer is that the CDC uses advanced laboratory methods to link illnesses to specific outbreaks. Health officials note that these improved testing and tracing methods have led to more frequent recalls and notices of foodborne illnesses.
The Morgenstein family is seeking legal action related to his death and are being represented by Ron Simon & Associates, a Houston, Texas-based law firm that has represented thousands of people who have been sickened by foodborne illness.
Commenting on this story, national Listeria lawyer Tony Coveny, of Ron Simon & Associates, said, “Food manufacturers like Boar’s Head must always adhere to food safety standards or else the unintended consequences can be severe. This is a tragedy that likely could have been avoided and the Morgenstein family would still have their father, Garshon, with them.”
The Boar’s Head recall remains ongoing as the company and government investigators seek to determine the source of the Listeria outbreak. In the meantime, affected products could still be in consumers’ freezers.
Consumers are advised to search their homes for the recalled meat products and, if found, dispose of them immediately. Consumers are further advised to thoroughly clean their refrigerators, containers, or surfaces to prevent additional chances of contamination with other foods.
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, even if they look or smell safe to eat.
