10th Death Reported From Listeria Outbreak Involving Boar’s Head Deli Meat

Personal Injury - September 27, 2024

Deaths Reported In New York, South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico Following Listeria Outbreak From Boar’s Head Deli Meat

10th Death Reported From Listeria Outbreak Involving Boar’s Head Deli Meat

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (September 26, 2024) – At least 10 people have died in a Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak that has impacted at least 19 states so far.

At least 59 people have been sickened by the bacteria in liverwurst at the plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The illnesses were reported between May and August.

On September 13, the company that owned the Jarratt plant announced it was closing and discontinuing production of liverwurst. The closure was announced after an inspection revealed mold, insects, and dripping water at the facility.

Boar’s Heat is facing multiple lawsuits over deaths and illnesses related to the listeria outbreak. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Listeria Outbreaks

Listeria bacteria cause listeriosis, which is the leading cause of foodborne-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Every year in the United States, an estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria. More than half of all Listeria infections occur among people 65 years and older.” There are a number of symptoms associated with listeriosis.

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches

Companies that sell food products have a legal obligation to ensure that those products are reasonably safe. They must comply with all regulations by the Food and Drug Administration. This includes maintaining plants and packaging locations in a safe and clean manner. There are a number of health code violations that may contribute to a listeria outbreak.

  • Improper refrigeration / temperature control
  • Cross contamination
  • Poor sanitation and cleaning processes
  • Inadequate handwashing
  • Improper food storage

Listeria outbreaks are nearly always preventable. They tend to occur with businesses and plants that have lax safety cultures. Employees may feel scared to point out safety violations out of fear that they could potentially lose their jobs. It is important that victims understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died from listeriosis may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.

Getting Legal Help After Contracting Listeriosis

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who died after eating Boar’s Head deli meats. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken in order to prevent similar tragedies down the road.

Have you or someone that you care about contracted listeriosis after eating Boar’s Head deli meat? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of foodborne illness are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.