Boar’s Head Recall: Listeria Lawsuit Ongoing (Latest 2025 Updates)

Update: Boar’s Head Plant Closes Amid Listeria Outbreak Controversy

September 16, 2024 – Boar’s Head announced Last week that it is “indefinitely” closing its manufacturing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, which has been linked to a listeria outbreak that has sickened dozens and killed at least 9 people nationwide, according to FOX News [1].

“Given the seriousness of the outbreak, and the fact that it originated at Jarratt, we have made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this location,” a Boar’s Head spokesperson said. “Under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course.”

The decision to close the plant came after Boar’s Head identified the root cause of the contamination as a specific production process that existed at the facility and was used only for liverwurst, which the company said it will discontinue permanently.

• Total Cases: 34
• States Affected: 13
• Hospitalizations: 33
• Deaths: 2
• Most Recent Case: September 2024
• Last Updated: January 8, 2025

The Boar’s Head recall linked to a Listeria outbreak has had significant health impacts across multiple states. As of the latest updates, there have been 34 confirmed cases of illness, with 33 individuals hospitalized and 2 deaths reported.

The outbreak has affected 13 states, highlighting the widespread nature of the contamination. The most recent case was reported in September 2024, and the situation remains under ongoing investigation as health officials continue to monitor developments related to this serious public health concern.

Boar’s Head Recalls 7 Million Pounds of Deli Meat, Poultry for Listeria Contamination

July 30, 2024 – Jarratt, VA.-based Boar’s Head Provisions Co. expanded its prior recall to include approximately 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat and poultry products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) [2].

Boar’s Head initiated the recall on July 26, 2024, after whole genome sequencing found that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

As of July 30, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024

The expansion includes 71 products made between May 10 and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Affected products include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations. These products have “sell by” dates ranging from 29 July 2024 through 17-OCT-24.

The recalled Boar’s Head meats were distributed to retail locations across the U.S., and shipped with the establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

Boar’s Head said that all recalled meats have been removed from sale. “All Boar’s Head items currently available in food retail and food service outlets are not part of the recall,” the company said.

Meats Affected by Boar’s Head Recall

The following list includes Boar’s Head meat products affected by the recall. The recall applies only to items purchased before July 31, as listed on the Boar’s Head website [3].

Ham Products

• All Natural Hams: Applewood Smoked Uncured, Traditional Uncured
• Specialty Hams: BourbonRidge Uncured Smoked, Brown Sugar & Spice Off the Bone, Gourmet Pepper Brand
• Smoked & Glazed Hams: Hickory Smoked Roast Uncured, Maple Glazed Roast Pork Loin, SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked, Sweet Slice Smoked Uncured
• Italian Hams: Italian Cappy, Hot Italian Cappy Style, Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style
• Other Varieties: Peppenero Garlic Ham, Rosemary & Sundried Tomato Ham, Tavern Ham, Virginia Ham, Roasted Pork, Porchetta Roasted Seasoned Pork (Foodservice)

Bologna & Specialty Loafs

• Bologna Varieties: Pork & Beef, 33% Lower Sodium, Beef Bologna, Beef Salami, Garlic Bologna
• Specialty Loafs: Head Cheese, Liverwurst Pate, Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, Olive Terrine Loaf, Pickle & Pepper Terrine Loaf
• Spiced Meat: Spiced Ham

Frankfurters

• Uncured Varieties:
  • Pork & Beef (Natural Casing and Regular)
  • Beef Frankfurters (Natural Casing and Regular)
  • Cocktail Frankfurters
  • Beef Knockwurst

Sausage Products

• Sausage Varieties: Bratwurst, Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage, Uncured Kielbasa
• Chicken Sausage: All Natural Smoked Andouille

Old Country Brand Meats

• Hams:
  • Beechwood Smoked, BourbonRidge Smoked
  • Brown Sugar & Spice Delight Off the Bone
  • Cappy Brand, Gourmet Pepper, Habanero, Rosemary Tomato, Black Forest, Canadian Style Bacon, Sweet Slice Smoked, Tavern
• Specialty Hams:
  • All Natural Uncured, Seasoned Fresh
  • Hot Butt Cappy Ham

Listeria Symptoms

According to the FDA, Listeriosis symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration, lasting from days to several weeks [4].

Gastrointestinal symptoms may appear within a few hours to 2-3 days after consuming contaminated food. These include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Mild fever
• Muscle aches

Days 1-3: Early Symptoms

Symptoms may escalate and include:

• Increased fever
• Chills
• Severe headache
• Fatigue

Days 3-7: Severe Symptoms

If the infection progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, particularly in vulnerable populations:

• Stiff neck
• Confusion or changes in alertness
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

Pregnancy Risks

Pregnant individuals are at a heightened risk, with a 20% chance of fetal loss due to listeriosis. While symptoms may be mild or absent in the mother, the infection can lead to serious complications for the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections.

People infected with L. monocytogenes may start to see symptoms in a few hours or as long as two to three days after eating contaminated food. More severe forms of listeriosis may take anywhere from three days to three months to develop

If you suspect listeriosis, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Boar’s Head Expands Recall to Include 7 Million Pounds of Deli Meat Linked to Listeria Outbreak: 6ABC News Philadelphia Video

FSIS Recommendation

If you purchased any Boar’s Head meat that is affected by this recall, you should not eat it, and either throw it away or return it to the point of purchase for a refund. Anyone concerned about a potential listeria food poisoning illness linked to recalled Boar’s Head meat should contact their healthcare provider or dial 9-1-1 immediately.

General Population Risk

• Leading Cause of Death: Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., with approximately 260 deaths annually.
• Intestinal Illness: While Listeria typically causes mild intestinal illness, it can become invasive if it spreads beyond the intestines, leading to severe complications.

Pregnancy Risk

• Fetal Loss: Invasive Listeria during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe newborn infections, with a 20% fetal loss rate and a 3% newborn death rate.

Elderly Risk

• Mortality Rate: Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with 1 in 6 patients dying from Listeria infections. Nearly all elderly patients require hospitalization due to severe illness.

Immunocompromised Risk

• Individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe Listeria infections. This group accounts for about 75% of all Listeria cases, and hospitalization is nearly universal, with a significant mortality rate.

Treatment Options

• Antibiotics: Invasive Listeria infections are treated with antibiotics. Most individuals recover from mild intestinal illness without treatment, but antibiotics are necessary for those who are severely ill or at high risk.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [5]

2 Deaths in South Carolina Linked to Recalled Boar’s Head Meat

September 6, 2024 – A pair of recent listeria food poisoning deaths in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina have been associated with the ongoing recall involving Boar’s Head deli meat, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) [8].

Unfortunately, an outbreak of Listeria has reached our state, and is potentially the cause of two deaths here,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “We want to ensure South Carolinians are aware of this outbreak and that everyone takes necessary steps to avoid consuming products that could be the source of infection

DPH and CDC recommend the following steps to avoid Listeria:

• Avoid consuming recalled meats: Dispose of them immediately or contact the store for return options.
• Inspect your refrigerator: Check for any recalled deli meats and remove or return them, as Listeria can thrive in refrigerated environments.
• Thoroughly clean surfaces: Sanitize your refrigerator, containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with recalled meats to prevent contamination.

Multiple Health Violations Found in Boar’s Head Plant Following Deli Meat Recall

Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have cited Boar’s Head for dozens of health violations found at the company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia, according to CBS News [9.].

The inspection found mold, mildew and insects throughout the Boar’s Head facility, which will remain closed until it can show it can “produce safe product,” FSIS said.

Records obtained by CBS indicated that there have been at least 69 instances of “noncompliance” flagged by inspectors at the Boar’s Head plant over the past year.

Boar’s Head Listeria Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Florida

September 4, 2024 – A family from Virginia has filed a wrongful death claim against Boar’s Head in Sarasota County, Florida, on behalf of a relative who allegedly died from listeria food poisoning after eating the company’s deli meat, according to ABC 7 Chicago [7.].

The victim, 88-year-old Gunter Morgenstein, purchased Boar’s Head liverwurst in late June and soon thereafter became seriously ill. After being hospitalized for 10 days, Morgenstein died on July 18 from a brain infection caused by listeria bacteria, according to the lawsuit.

Morgenstein was a German-born Holocaust survivor who moved to Canada and then the U.S. as a young man and later became a flamboyant hair stylist who styled celebrities such as Tom Jones and was known for his funny, outgoing personality. He enjoyed liverwurst regularly, usually spread on bagels, insisting on the Boar’s Head brand because of the company’s reputation, believing it was top quality.

I think it is disgusting and shameful,” said Morgenstein’s son, Garshon. “I’m just even more in shock that this was allowed to happen. It’s really just a senseless accident and tragedy for something that just should not have ever happened. He still had many good years left

Lawsuit Claims Alabama Man Developed Listeria Food Poisoning from Boar’s Head Deli Meat

August 29, 2024 – According to WBRC FOX 6, a new lawsuit filed in federal court in Alabama alleges that a man was hospitalized with severe food poisoning symptoms in late July after eating Boar’s Head Bologna purchased from a grocery store in Huntsville [1].

According to the complaint, a man bought Boar’s Head Bologna in late July from a grocery store in Huntsville and soon after eating it, was hospitalized with fever, headaches, nausea, and other related symptoms. This man’s condition worsened, according to the complaint, and he began to have drooping on one side of his face, and difficulty breathing to the point he needed to be placed on a ventilator

The man was transferred to another hospital and given a spinal tap on Aug. 7, which confirmed the presence of listeria, the complaint states. Sadly, his condition has deteriorated to the point where he is unable to communicate, “and it is currently unclear if he will survive.”

Another Death, 10 Hospitalizations Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meat

August 9, 2024 – Another person has died and 10 others have been hospitalized in an outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, according to Fox Business [6]. This brings the total to 3 deaths and 43 Listeria infections in 13 states, according to the CDC.

A pregnant woman from Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Boar’s Head after claiming that she “nearly lost her unborn child” when infected by listeria after eating the company’s deli meat sold at a Publix grocery store in Florida.

In a statement to FOX Business, Boar’s Head said that it expresses its deepest sympathies for affected families and that it is “conducting a full review of processes and procedures to ensure we consistently meet the highest standards of safety and quality. As soon as we learned that our liverwurst was linked to the outbreak, we voluntarily expanded our recall, as a precautionary measure, to include all other products made at the same facility

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See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Boar’s Head Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Boar’s Head lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Listeria food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one developed symptoms of listeria after eating recalled Boar’s Head meat, you should contact a lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a Boar’s Head Lawsuit and we can help.

References:

1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co–expands-recall
2. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/
3. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis
4. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/faq.html
6. https://www.wbrc.com/2024/08/22/federal-lawsuit-claims-alabama-man-sickened-by-contaminated-boars
7. https://abc7chicago.com/post/wrongful-death-lawsuit-filed-boars-head-listeria-outbreak
8. https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-reports-south-carolina-deaths-linked-us-listeria-outbreak
9. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bugs-mold-mildew-inspection-boars-head-plant-listeria/
10.https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/boars-head-discontinues-product-closes-facility-linked-listeria-outbreak-indefinitely