A legal challenge involving Boar’s Head has surfaced in the First State, as Delaware residents allege the company’s practices led to a listeria outbreak. The lawsuit contends that the Boar’s Head facility in Delaware may have overlooked crucial food safety measures, potentially resulting in contaminated products.
This comprehensive guide sheds light on the outbreak’s specifics, ongoing legal actions, and the process for initiating a claim. Continue reading to explore your options if you’ve been affected by this health concern.
Delaware residents impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria incident can seek guidance from Schmidt & Clark, LLP. Our firm’s track record in similar cases positions us to help you navigate your legal rights under Delaware law.
Table Of Contents
- How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
- What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
- Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Delaware?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Delaware
- What Is The Current Legal Status?
- Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Delaware
- Get Your Free Consultation From Delaware Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
- Reference:
How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
S&C can help with your claim by leveraging its food safety law expertise to steer individuals through this complex process with precision and empathy.
Our seasoned team assists by:
- Conducting thorough claim evaluations encompassing both economic and non-economic aspects under Delaware law.
- Offering complimentary initial consultations to provide expert legal insights without upfront costs.
- Guiding clients through Delaware’s specific legal timelines while ensuring clear, ongoing communication.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Delaware, initially identified on January 15, 2025, has continued to escalate. As of March 10, 2025, health officials have confirmed 7 cases statewide.
This outbreak has prompted multiple legal actions against Boar’s Head by Delaware residents affected by the contaminated deli meats.
The Delaware Division of Public Health traced the Listeria monocytogenes strain back to Boar’s Head products distributed from a Dover hub.
Boar’s Head recalled products manufactured between January 1, 2025, and February 25, 2025, impacting more than 20 types of deli products distributed across Delaware’s three counties. These products were sold at various grocery stores and delis.
Consumption of the recalled products has led to several health complications, including hospitalizations, and unfortunately, one fatality has been reported in Delaware. Federal and state health officials are urging consumers to discard any affected products or return them to their place of purchase.
Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations
Investigations into Boar’s Head’s Delaware facility revealed multiple violations of food safety regulations.
Over the past year, state inspectors identified 69 instances of non-compliance, including concerns about inadequate sanitation procedures, improper temperature control, and insufficient employee food safety training [1].
These infractions, flagged earlier by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, are believed to have contributed to the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, ultimately leading to deli meats’ contamination.
The failure to address these ongoing issues resulted in the temporary closure of the facility and legal proceedings being initiated in Delaware Superior Court. The outbreak has affected 7 individuals, leading to one fatality and five hospitalizations across Delaware’s three counties.
Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Delaware?
Boar’s Head products recalled in Delaware include ham, turkey, roast beef, and various cold cuts produced between January 1, 2025, and February 25, 2025. These items have sell-by dates ranging from February 15, 2025, to April 10, 2025 [2].
These products have been linked to several illnesses and one death in Delaware. Consumers are advised to check for USDA inspection marks’ EST. 27159′ or ‘P-27159’ on labels of both prepackaged items and deli-sliced meats sourced from the Delaware facility.
The recall extends to all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head brand sold in Delaware during the specified timeframe.
Also Read: Alaska Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium capable of thriving in various environments, including ready-to-eat meat products. It’s a frequent culprit in food poisoning outbreaks and can proliferate even at refrigeration temperatures [3].
This pathogen can rapidly spread on food processing equipment, surfaces, and through food handlers. Its presence in soil, water, and animal feces poses significant challenges in maintaining sterile food production environments.
Particularly vulnerable groups include older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The Delaware Division of Public Health monitors and advises consumers about recalled products. Severe cases of listeriosis typically require intensive antibiotic treatment.
Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection symptoms can manifest in various ways and may appear from 24 hours to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms include [4]:
- Persistent fever
- Severe headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Muscular discomfort
- Acute gastrointestinal distress
More severe cases may involve:
- Mental confusion
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Seizures
- Meningitis
- Septicemia
Pregnant women might experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
“In interviews with sick people, 23 of 24 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating deli sliced liverwurst, with seven of those reporting Boar’s Head brand.”- U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Delaware?
Delaware residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head products and subsequently developed listeria-related illnesses can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Delaware. This includes individuals who required hospitalization and families who lost loved ones to the infection.
Acting promptly is crucial, as Delaware law sets a two-year time limit for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Delaware
Settlement amounts in listeria lawsuits vary considerably and are influenced by illness severity and associated damages. More severe cases involving extended hospitalization or long-term health impacts in Delaware tend to receive higher compensation.
Compensation may cover economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In cases of fatality, families may file wrongful death claims within two years of the date of death in Delaware.
Legal claims can also address emotional distress and long-term care needs resulting from listeria-related health complications.
What Is The Current Legal Status?
The current legal status in Delaware involves both individual lawsuits and a class action lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court. These lawsuits aim to hold Boar’s Head accountable for the health impacts caused by listeria-contaminated products.
Individual lawsuits offer tailored legal strategies, often leading to higher compensation since the settlement is not divided among multiple plaintiffs.
Meanwhile, the class action consolidates multiple claims into a single case, which can help streamline the legal process and reduce costs for those affected.
It is important to note that the ability to file a claim is time-sensitive and governed by Delaware’s statutes of limitations.
Ongoing legal proceedings are backed by evidence from state health officials, strengthening the case for affected individuals. The lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages the outbreak’s victims incurred.
Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Delaware
Initiating a lawsuit begins with a complimentary case review to explore your legal options. Crucial evidence may include medical records and purchase receipts linking the illness to contaminated products bought in Delaware.
While most cases are resolved through settlements, some may proceed to trial in Delaware courts if an agreement cannot be reached.
Get Your Free Consultation From Delaware Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
Schmidt & Clark,LLP is here to offer unwavering support during this challenging time. If the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one, reach out to us without hesitation.
Our team of experts, specializing in foodborne illness cases, is ready to guide you through the legal process.
We will help you understand your rights and evaluate your eligibility for compensation. Our consultations are free and we only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us today for a detailed assessment and to explore your legal options.
Reference:
- https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
- https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269