10th death linked to Boar’s Head deli meat recall

Boar’s Head recall overview: 

• Who: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked a 10th death to a listeria outbreak connected to a Boar’s Head deli meat recall. 
• Why: Boar’s Head initiated a recall in late July and later expanded it in August after the listeria outbreak was linked to its now- closed plant in Jarratt, Virginia. 
• Where: The listeria outbreak has been linked to deaths in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked a 10th death to a Boar’s Head deli meat recall connected to the ongoing nationwide listeria outbreak. 

The agency said a total of 59 people from 19 states have now reportedly been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria, as of Sept. 23. 

Boar’s Head initiated its deli meat recall in late July amid the listeria outbreak, which at the time was linked to a number of hospitalizations and two deaths. 

The premium deli meats and cheese company expanded the recall in August to include all products produced at its now-temporarily closed plant in Jarratt, Virgina, after being informed the facility was linked to the listeria outbreak.  

Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service found dozens of violations at the Boar’s Head plant when examining the facility in August, including mold, mildew and insects throughout the space. 

The FSIS said at that time that the Boar’s Head facility would remain closed until it could show it was able to “produce safe product.” 

Lawmakers ask DOJ, USDA to work on possible criminal charges against Boar’s Head

The listeria outbreak has been connected to deaths in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina, according to the CDC. 

The agency said the true number of individuals sickened by the outbreak is likely higher and may not be limited only to states with known illnesses, since some people may recover without medical care while never being tested for listeria. 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, meanwhile, reportedly sent a letter to the USDA and the Department of Justice, asking them to work together to decide whether Boar’s Head should be held criminally responsible for the listeria outbreak. 

“It is unacceptable that Boar’s Head did not take sufficient action to rectify these conditions that resulted in repeated violations for similar issues,” the Connecticut Democratic lawmakers wrote in their letter, as reported by CNN. 

Consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Boar’s Head in early August over claims the company failed to disclose that the products included in its deli meat recall were contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. 

Are you affected by the Boar’s Head deli meat recall? Let us know in the comments.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Walmart class action alleges Great Value avocado oil ‘adulterated,’ ‘impure’
• Poppi class action alleges beverage not healthy as advertised
• Recall issued for Lactaid milk due to potential almond allergen
• Judge dismisses Wiley Wallaby class action over false advertising