The ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats has now claimed a third life, with the number of hospitalizations rising to 43 across 13 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the latest fatality on Thursday, intensifying concerns over the widespread impact of the contaminated products. The outbreak, which has triggered a massive recall of over 7.2 million pounds of deli meats, underscores the serious health risks associated with listeria bacteria, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Boar's Head first initiated the recall in late July after its Strassburger brand liverwurst tested positive for listeria. The recall, originally limited, has since expanded to include all deli products produced at the company's Jarratt, Virginia, facility. This decision followed reports of listeria infections and deaths in Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia, with the most recent fatality occurring in Virginia.
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that poses significant risks to pregnant individuals, seniors over 65, and those with compromised immune systems. The CDC highlights that listeria can easily spread within deli environments, contaminating surfaces, equipment, and other food items. The infection often presents with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and in severe cases, it can lead to more critical conditions like meningitis or septicemia.
The CDC has urged consumers to avoid eating any of the recalled Boar's Head deli meats, recommending that they either dispose of the products or return them to the point of purchase. The contaminated products can be identified by the USDA inspection mark "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" on their labels. For those who have consumed the affected meats, the agency advises seeking medical attention if any listeria symptoms develop.
This outbreak has not only led to widespread public health concerns but has also resulted in legal action against Boar's Head. The company is currently facing lawsuits in Missouri and New York. In Missouri, a couple filed a lawsuit after the wife fell critically ill with listeria, requiring prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation. In New York, a plaintiff has accused Boar's Head of misleadingly marketing its products without adequately warning consumers about the risk of listeria contamination.
The financial and reputational damage to Boar's Head is likely to be significant as the company navigates the fallout from this outbreak. The CDC's report of 43 hospitalizations, with additional cases still being monitored, reflects the severity of the situation. As a precaution, businesses that received the recalled meats have been instructed to thoroughly clean and sanitize their facilities and to dispose of any opened sliced meats and cheeses.
Boar's Head has yet to issue a detailed public response to the latest developments. However, the company has established a customer service hotline for inquiries related to the recall. Consumers with questions are encouraged to contact Boar's Head directly or reach out to the USDA for further guidance on food safety.
