Outbreak Summary
The CDC has announced that a frightening recent outbreak of Listeria illnesses is linked to deli meats, including liverwurst. On July 26th, the USDA announced a massive recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats after an unopened package of liverwurst taken from a deli case in Maryland tested positive for the presence of Listeria. On July 30th, FDA announced that the Listeria found in the liverwurst matched the outbreak strain, making Boar’s Head’s responsibility irrefutable. Boar’s Head is also recalling other deli meats it produced on the same day out of concern that they may be contaminated as well. Later testing also found the outbreak strain in samples of liverwurst taken from a deli in New York.
Our Listeria Lawyers have been retained in this outbreak by a Missouri woman who became deathly ill with Listeria after eating Boar’s Head liverwurst. Thankfully, she survived after a long and harrowing hospitalization, but then endured a lengthy stay at a rehabilitation facility to continue her recovery. A lawsuit has been filed in St. Louis.
Our team has also been retained by many other individuals sickened with listeriosis in this outbreak, including a woman who was 36 weeks pregnant when she was hospitalized. A lawsuit on her behalf has been filed in federal court in Minnesota.
As of August 28th, at least 57 people have become sick from Listeria since the start of June, with all of them having been hospitalized. Tragically, nine people have died in this outbreak so far. The known illnesses are concentrated in New York State and Maryland, but the outbreak has sickened people in 16 other states as well. Because it can often take 4 to 6 weeks before Listeria symptoms emerge after being exposed to tainted foods, the true number of sick people is likely much larger. It has already grown from 28 to 57 since first being announced last month.
We have represented many people poisoned in Listeria outbreaks, including this outbreak. We are actively pursuing compensation for those affected. If you or a loved one became sick with a Listeria infection after eating meat purchased at a deli counter, please contact us using the form above for a free consultation.
SEE ALSO:
How to Hire a Listeria Lawyer for my Lawsuit Against Boar’s Head
More Details
The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. The following liverwurst products are subject to recall [view labels]:
The other ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The following deli meat products are subject to recall:
The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
After the link to Boar’s Head liverwurst was definitely established, Boar’s Head recalled another seven million pounds of product.
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually contracted from food contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. Anyone can contract this bacterial infection, but pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. According to the CDC, Listeriosis causes a fetal loss in about 20% of cases. Newborns can also suffer a life-threatening infection. The CDC reports newborn death occurs in about 3% of cases. When a pregnant woman notices the symptoms of Listeriosis, it is important to seek medical care immediately to protect the pregnancy.
Individuals with weak immune systems and the elderly are more likely to develop severe infections in the bloodstream or brain, which can be fatal. Listeriosis can also affect other parts of the body, including the bones and joints.
Severe Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment of severe symptoms is important and dramatically reduces the risk of more severe complications.
Listeriosis symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person. In less serious cases, the infection may remain in the gut and cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, however the Listeria bacteria will spread beyond the gut, This is known as invasive listeriosis. When Listeria spreads to the nervous system, individuals can experience:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care right away. These can be signs of bacterial meningitis, which can cause severe complications, disabilities, and death.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers is a national food safety law firm and offers free consultations to anybody potentially impacted by this outbreak. Listeria lawyers Ryan Osterholm and Brendan Flaherty have represented people sickened by Listeria throughout the country, and can your questions and help you pursue compensation.