Important Updates for Ohio on the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

In recent developments, Boar’s Head faces legal challenges as consumers in various states claim the company’s practices resulted in a listeria outbreak. While Ohio stands unaffected by this outbreak, Buckeye State residents should remain informed about this national issue.

This comprehensive guide offers insights into the outbreak, ongoing legal actions in impacted states, and pertinent information for Ohio inhabitants. Despite Ohio’s non-involvement, we encourage you to read on and stay abreast of this situation.

Although Ohio residents cannot pursue claims related to this outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands ready to offer guidance on general food safety matters. Our extensive background in similar cases equips us to provide valuable perspectives on these issues.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by employing its profound knowledge of food safety legislation to inform individuals about these multifaceted matters.

We extend our support by:

• Elucidating food safety laws and regulations relevant to Ohio residents.

• Providing no-cost consultations on broad food safety legal concerns.

• Assisting clients in navigating potential food safety issues within Ohio’s legal framework.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

Although Ohio remains unaffected, the Boar’s Head listeria situation has seen significant developments in other states since its discovery. Health authorities in impacted regions have verified numerous cases, prompting some residents to initiate legal proceedings against Boar’s Head.

Officials in affected states have pinpointed the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes in Boar’s Head products at multiple distribution facilities. 

These findings have triggered recalls of Boar’s Head deli items in several states, but it’s crucial to note that these recalls do not encompass products retailed in Ohio.

Related Articles:

• North Dakota Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Vermont Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Examinations of Boar’s Head facilities in impacted states have revealed numerous violations of food safety regulations. Inspections at the Jarratt, Virginia facility uncovered serious issues, including unsanitary food contact surfaces, improper temperature regulation, and inadequate employee food safety training. 

Inspectors logged multiple infractions, citing concerns about how the facility handled sanitation protocols, temperature control, and employee practices, all of which are critical in preventing Listeria contamination.

According to an Associated Press report, Boar’s Head’s Virginia plant had been found in violation of food safety regulations dozens of times, contributing to the listeria outbreak. State inspectors noted the presence of mold, bugs, and mildew within the facility, as well as failures in maintaining proper sanitation [1]. 

These conditions created a high risk of contamination, and the plant was linked to several Listeria-related deaths​.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Ohio?

Boar’s Head products have not been recalled in Ohio because Ohio is excluded from all recall actions linked to this outbreak. Residents may continue their normal purchasing and consumption of Boar’s Head products without concern.

In states where the outbreak has occurred, recalls encompass various Boar’s Head offerings, including ham, turkey, roast beef, and diverse cold cuts [2]. However, these recalls have no bearing on Ohio.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is the bacterium at the center of this outbreak. It is a hardy microorganism capable of flourishing in diverse settings, including ready-to-eat meat products. It’s often implicated in food poisoning incidents and can proliferate even at refrigeration temperatures [3].

Although this outbreak doesn’t touch Ohio, it’s always prudent for consumers to be cognizant of food safety hazards. Particularly susceptible groups include the elderly, expectant mothers, newborns, and those with compromised immune systems.

Listeria Symptoms

While Ohio residents face no risk from this specific outbreak, awareness of listeria symptoms remains beneficial. These symptoms can manifest in various ways and may surface anywhere from 24 hours to 70 days post-consumption of contaminated food.

Typical symptoms include [4]: 

• persistent fever

• intense headaches

• neck rigidity

• muscle pain

• severe gastrointestinal discomfort

More acute cases might involve complications such as cognitive confusion, impaired balance, convulsions, meningitis, and blood poisoning.

Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Ohio?

Individuals who can file a Boar’s Head meat lawsuit in Ohio are limited, as the state has not been affected by the specific Listeria outbreak tied to the company’s products. Therefore, Ohio residents are ineligible to pursue legal claims related to this incident. 

However, it is still vital for Ohio residents to be aware of their rights regarding foodborne illness and food safety issues in general. If a future food safety violation impacts Ohio, consumers who suffer harm from contaminated products may be able to file lawsuits for compensation, including claims for medical expenses and damages​.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Ohio

As Ohio is uninvolved in the current Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, there are no settlement figures specific to this case in the state. 

However, it’s worth noting that foodborne illness lawsuits generally can yield compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, among other damages, should similar situations arise in Ohio in the future.

“An unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS is ongoing to determine if the listeria in the liverwurst is the same as the ill people.”- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that while Ohio residents are not directly involved in lawsuits related to the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, impacted states have seen both individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits filed against the company. 

These lawsuits address various claims, including breach of food safety regulations, negligence, and wrongful death. 

Affected parties in these states are pursuing compensation for damages, with legal proceedings focused on Boar’s Head’s failure to maintain proper sanitation standards at its Virginia facility, which has been linked to multiple deaths and hospitalizations.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Ohio

As Ohio is unaffected by this specific outbreak, residents cannot initiate lawsuits related to it. However, familiarity with the process of addressing food safety concerns is valuable for any potential future incidents.

This process typically involves documenting the issue, seeking medical care if necessary, notifying relevant health authorities, and consulting a legal professional well-versed in food safety cases.

Get Your Free Consultation From Ohio Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Although Schmidt & Clark,LLP is not presently handling cases tied to this specific Boar’s Head outbreak in Ohio, we remain dedicated to assisting residents with any food safety concerns. If you have queries about food safety laws or worries about any food product, we encourage you to reach out.

Our team, with expertise in various consumer protection cases, can offer guidance on your rights and potential courses of action under Ohio law.

We provide complimentary consultations to discuss any food safety concerns you might have. Contact us today to learn more about safeguarding yourself and your loved ones from foodborne illnesses and other consumer safety issues in Ohio.

Reference:

1. https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html

2. https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269