The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has claimed a third life, bringing the total number of fatalities to three, while nine more individuals have fallen ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this grim update on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing severity of the outbreak that has continued to affect numerous states across the U.S.
The latest reported death occurred in Virginia, following previous fatalities in Illinois and New Jersey. The deceased individuals ranged in age from 32 to 94, illustrating the outbreak’s broad impact on both younger and older populations. The CDC’s report underscores that a total of 43 people have been hospitalized across 13 states, with the true number of those affected likely being higher, as many may not have sought medical care or been tested for listeria.
The outbreak, which began in May, was initially linked to Boar’s Head products, prompting a recall of 200,000 pounds of meat on July 26. However, as the situation escalated, the recall was significantly expanded to encompass seven million pounds of deli meats by the end of July. This recall includes 71 different products, as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The source of the outbreak has been traced back to Boar’s Head’s facility in Jarratt, Virginia. The Maryland Department of Health first detected the contamination when it tested an unopened package of liverwurst, leading to the identification of the contaminated products. Boar’s Head promptly responded to this discovery by increasing the recall, as indicated in a statement released on July 30. The company acknowledged the link between its Strassburger Brand Liverwurst and the outbreak and emphasized its commitment to public health.
In the wake of the outbreak, at least three lawsuits have been filed against Boar’s Head and the retailers that sold its products. Among the plaintiffs are a Missouri couple, Patrick and Sue Fleming, who filed a complaint after Sue Fleming became ill and was hospitalized following the consumption of Boar’s Head liverwurst. A proposed class action lawsuit has also been initiated by a customer in Queens, alleging that Boar’s Head failed to adequately warn consumers about the safety of its products.
In response to the outbreak, supermarkets have been advised to remove Boar’s Head signage from their deli counters and perform thorough cleanings of their equipment and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. The National Supermarket Association issued a memo to its members advising them to take these precautionary measures “until further notice.” This has led to a noticeable decline in the sales of Boar’s Head products, with some supermarket owners reporting increased customer inquiries about the safety of the deli meats.
The CDC has also issued guidance for consumers who purchased the recalled products, recommending that they thoroughly clean their refrigerators and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products. Food retailers are urged to close their deli counters temporarily to conduct deep cleanings of equipment and surfaces.
As the situation continues to develop, the CDC and other health authorities are monitoring the outbreak closely to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect public health. The expansion of the recall and the proactive steps taken by both Boar’s Head and food retailers are crucial in containing the outbreak and preventing further cases of illness.
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for rigorous standards in food processing and handling. As investigations continue, the focus remains on minimizing the impact of this outbreak and safeguarding the health of consumers across the country.
