Tragic Loss: Another Victim Succumbs to Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Deli Meats

Three people have tragically lost their lives in a recent listeria food poisoning outbreak connected to Boar's Head deli meats, according to federal food safety officials. The total number of individuals affected by this outbreak has risen to 43.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the most recent death occurred in Virginia, with the other two fatalities reported in New Jersey and Illinois. Furthermore, there have been nine additional cases reported since the initial outbreak in late May.

On July 30, Boar's Head issued a recall of 7 million pounds of deli meats, which was an expansion of an earlier recall on July 25. This action was prompted by a liverwurst sample collected in Maryland that tested positive for listeria. Subsequent testing by New York health officials confirmed the presence of the same listeria strain.

The recall affects over 70 products produced at Boar's Head's Virginia plant, including liverwurst, ham, beef salami, and bologna. The company is currently facing two lawsuits related to the outbreak, one in Missouri and the other as a class-action suit in federal court in New York.

The contaminated meat was distributed nationwide, as well as to several other countries. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products and instead dispose of them or return them to the store for a refund. Listeria bacteria can survive and multiply in refrigerators, so individuals who have purchased these products are urged to clean and sanitize their fridges thoroughly to prevent further contamination.

According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people in the United States contract listeria food poisoning each year, resulting in around 260 deaths. Symptoms of listeria infection commonly include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, with more severe cases potentially leading to confusion and convulsions. Pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications. Symptoms may not manifest until weeks after consuming contaminated food.

What do you think?

• Should there be stricter regulations for food safety in the deli meat industry?
• Do you trust the safety of deli meats after this recall?
• What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from foodborne illnesses?