Boar’s Head Recalls Seven Million Pounds of Products Amid Growing Health Crisis
A devastating listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has tragically claimed a third life and continues to cause widespread illness across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed that the outbreak has resulted in additional hospitalizations, bringing the total number of people affected to 43 in 13 states. This alarming situation has led Boar’s Head to recall an astonishing seven million pounds of deli meat products due to potential contamination with the deadly bacterium.
The listeria outbreak has now claimed lives in Virginia, Illinois, and New Jersey, underscoring the severity of the contamination. Boar’s Head first issued a recall on July 26 after the Maryland Department of Health identified listeria monocytogenes in a sample from one of its products. This discovery prompted a deeper investigation, revealing that the contamination had spread to a wide range of products, including ham, bacon, sausage, and bologna, sold under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands. The products in question were manufactured at Boar’s Head’s facility in Jarratt, Virginia, and were distributed not only across the United States but also internationally to locations such as the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
The severity of the situation was further confirmed on July 29 when the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) verified that Boar’s Head liverwurst products tested positive for the same strain of listeria involved in the outbreak. This discovery led to the expansion of the recall to include all products produced at the Jarratt facility with sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024.
The Impact of Listeria on Public Health
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to devastating outcomes, including miscarriages and stillbirths. Even healthy individuals are at risk, as listeriosis can cause symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis each year, with about 260 resulting in death. The ongoing outbreak tied to Boar’s Head products highlights the importance of food safety and the potentially fatal consequences of foodborne illnesses.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Listeria Contamination
For those who have been harmed by consuming contaminated Boar’s Head products, pursuing legal action may be an option. Victims of foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis can file a product liability lawsuit seeking damages for their injuries. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in cases where a loved one has died, wrongful death compensation.
The process of filing a lawsuit involves several steps, beginning with consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in product liability cases. An experienced attorney can guide victims through the legal process, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. The attorney will work to establish that the contaminated product caused the illness and that the manufacturer is liable for the damages suffered.
Why Legal Representation is Crucial in Listeria Wrongful Death Cases
Navigating the complexities of a product liability lawsuit can be challenging, particularly in cases involving widespread contamination like the current listeria outbreak. An attorney with expertise in this area of law can handle the intricate details of the case, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or representing victims in court. Legal representation is essential to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their suffering and that the responsible parties are held accountable.
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