Boar’s Head, a revered name in deli meats, finds itself at the center of a listeria outbreak, recalling products and facing legal actions as the nation watches.
At a Glance
- Boar’s Head recalls liverwurst and other products due to listeria contamination.
- The listeria outbreak has resulted in 10 deaths and numerous illnesses.
- The company’s Virginia plant faces closure following severe health violations.
- Multiple lawsuits have emerged against Boar’s Head for negligence and product liability.
Boar’s Head Recalls Products Amid Listeria Outbreak
Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. is recalling all liverwurst products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. An internal investigation identified the liverwurst production process as the source of contamination, triggering a massive recall and an indefinite cease of operations at the Virginia plant.
In addition to liverwurst, other deli meat products produced on the same line and day are also being recalled. This recall affects approximately 207,528 pounds of products distributed nationwide, with the products bearing the establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Virulent Outbreak and Plant Closure
The outbreak, confirmed by a positive Listeria test by the Maryland Department of Health, has led to 10 deaths and numerous hospitalizations across 19 states. Inspectors found numerous violations at the Virginia plant, including leftover meat on equipment, mold, mildew, insects, and blood puddles. This led to the plant’s closure, with approximately 500 union workers affected.
#Alert Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination https://t.co/7XBUVih6bw
— USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (@USDAFoodSafety) July 26, 2024
Legal Actions Mount Against Boar’s Head
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head faces multiple lawsuits, including one by Sue Fleming, who contracted listeriosis from the tainted liverwurst. Legal claims against the company include strict product liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. These lawsuits aim to highlight food safety issues and potentially stimulate industry-wide improvements.
“Plaintiffs Fall Ill: Sue Fleming consumed tainted liverwurst, contracted listeriosis matching the outbreak strain.”
Boar’s Head has publicly apologized for the contamination incident, emphasizing the severe impact on affected families. The company is appointing a new chief food safety officer and establishing a safety council with independent experts to prevent future occurrences. This is part of its efforts to enhance food safety programs within the company and the broader food industry.
A woman was in the ICU for nearly a week after consuming Boar's Head liverwurst, a $10 million federal lawsuit says. It's one of many cases of illness linked to a listeria outbreak from the brand. https://t.co/cucbMSRZct
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) September 12, 2024
Regulatory and Industry Implications
The U.S. Agriculture Department’s withholding of inspection information amid ongoing inquiries has added pressure from lawmakers for federal departments to consider criminal charges. This situation evokes memories of past severe food safety violations among food producers and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enhancements in food safety standards industry-wide.
“We regret and deeply apologize for the recent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in our liverwurst product. We understand the gravity of this situation and the profound impact it has had on affected families,” the statement said.
The full scope of the investigation and its implications for Boar’s Head and other food producers remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: this incident underscores the critical need for stringent adherence to food safety practices to protect public health.
Sources
2. Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit: A Fight for Justice and Food Safety
