Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Key details about the Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have been over 59 cases across 19 states since their investigation started on July 19, 2024. All of these cases resulted in hospitalizations. Of those cases, 10 of the infected individuals have died. Even though Boar’s Head has recalled their contaminated products, it can take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis, so more cases may arise. It is possible that many people still have this contaminated meat in their refrigerators.

The CDC recommends that anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or is older than 65 should avoid eating deli meats or heat them before consumption.

Since May 10, 2024, over 71 products have been recalled under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, all of which were linked to a facility in Jaratt, Virginia. These products include packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations and meat intended for slicing at retail delis. Sell-by dates for this meat range from July 29, 2024 to October 17, 2024.

Which states were affected by the Listeria cases?

As of September 23rd, New York has seen the most cases of listeriosis from this outbreak at 17 cases. However, the Boar’s Head meat recall applies to all 50 states. States with reported cases include the following:

• Arizona – 1
• Florida – 3
• Georgia – 2
• Illinois – 1
• Indiana – 1
• Louisiana – 1
• Maryland – 8
• Massachusetts – 3
• Minnesota – 1
• Missouri – 3
• New Jersey – 6
• New Mexico – 1
• New York – 17
• North Carolina – 1
• Pennsylvania – 2
• South Carolina – 2
• Tennessee – 1
• Virginia – 4
• Wisconsin – 1

The outbreak is likely not limited to these states as the actual number of people infected with Listeria is almost certainly higher than the number reported.

What to do if you’ve bought Boar’s Head products

If you have any Boar’s Head products at home, look for “P-12612” or “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. If you find those identifiers, throw away those products immediately. Listeria is a resilient germ that can remain on surfaces like meat slicers or refrigerator shelves for extended periods of time. If you know that you have bought contaminated meat, you should clean anything it was close to as soon as you can.

Which Boar’s Head products were recalled?

The Boar’s Head deli meat recall includes over 71 products under both the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The recall encompasses all of their deli products. The following lists may not be comprehensive. For more information regarding the full product list and other details about the recall, visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service announcement page.

Recalled Boar’s Head products:

• Natural Casing Pork & Beef Frankfurters 8/1 14oz, case codes 042421140101, 042421140101
• FS Porchetta – Roasted Seasoned Pork, case code 042421110777
• Pickle & Pepper Loaf, case code 042421070606
• Brown Sugar & Spice Delight Off the Bone Ham, case code 042421110937
• Sweet Slice Ham Baby Half, case code 042421070125
• Natural Casing Cappy Ham Half, case code 042421071559
• Sweet Slice Ham Whole, case code 042421071528
• Hot Smoked Sausage, case codes 042421003659, 042421043655
• Natural Casing Beef Franks, case code 042421043372
• Bologna Thin Half, case code 042421043204
• Maple RST Pork Loin Baby, case code 042421110838
• Beef Bologna, case code 042421043587
• Hot Butt Cappy Ham, case code 042421070514
• Cocktail Frankfurters, case code 042421044171, 042421004175
• Skinless Pork & Beef Franks, case codes 042421000061, 042421044058
• Sweet Slice Ham Service Case, case code 042421110180
• Virginia Ham Half, case code 042421014426
• All Natural Traditional Ham, case code 042421070644
• Spiced Ham Square Half, case code 042421073591
• Fiber Cappy Ham Half, case code 042421070507
• Skinless Pork & Beef Frankfurters, case codes 042421257991, 042421044836
• Natural Casing Beef Franks 8/1 14oz, case codes 042421140088, 042421140088
• Virginia Ham Whole, case code 042421011142
• Garlic Bologna, case code 042421070682
• Natural Casing Pork & Beef Frankfurters Giant, case code 042421043297
• Gourmet Pepper Ham Half, case code 042421070521
• SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked Black Forest Ham Half, case code 042421110142
• Kielbasa 16oz, case codes 042421140064, 042421140064
• TAVERN HAM – WHOLE, case code 042421110821
• Sweet Slice Ham Half, case code 042421071535
• BourbonRidge Ham, case code 042421110692
• Beef Knockwurst, case codes 042421000085, 042421044102
• SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked Black Forest Ham Whole, case code 042421110050
• All Natural Applewood Smoked Ham, case code 042421070651
• Extra Hot Cappy Ham, case code 042421071719
• Peppenero Garlic Ham, case code 042421079517
• Canadian Style Bacon, case code 042421070729
• Roasted Pork, case code 042421110661
• Olive Loaf, case code 042421070590
• Skinless Beef Frankfurters, case code 042421044157
• Lower Sodium Bologna, case code 042421070699
• Steakhouse Slab Bacon, case code 042421073362
• ANDOUILLE CHICKEN SAUSAGE, case codes 042421140330, 042421140330
• FoodService Hickory Smoked Uncured Ham, case code 042421110869
• BRATWURST 1LB, case codes 042421246803, 042421043990
• Head Cheese, case code 042421070668
• Liverwurst Paté 8oz, case codes 042421258103, 042421070163
• Beef Salami, case code 042421070613
• Rosemary Sundried Tomato Ham, case code 042421070569
• HKRY SMK RST UNCURED HAM, case code 042421110852
• Tavern Ham, case code 042421070255
• Skinless Beef Frankfurters, case code 042421140019
• Bologna Thick Half, case code 042421073218
• Skinless Beef Franks 12oz, case codes 042421140033, 04242114003

Recalled Old Country products:

• OC TAVERN HAM, case code 042421815825
• OC ALL NATURAL UNC HAM, case code 042421834628
• OC SWT SLICE SMK HAM 1/2, case code 042421815320
• OC SEASONED CKD FRESH HAM, case code 042421896503
• OC CAPPY HAM FIBER, case code 042421813425
• OC BLACK FOREST HAM ½, case code 042421814927
• OC HABANERO HAM, case code 042421896350
• OC ALL NAT UNC SMKD HAM, case code 042421834826
• OC GOURMET PEPPER HAM, case code 042421814026
• OC BOURBONRIDGE SMKD HAM, case code 042421896725
• OC BEECHWOOD SMOKD HAM WH, case code 042421896527
• OC ROSEMARY/TOMATO HAM, case code 042421817324
• OC BROWN SUGAR & SPICE DELIGHT OFF THE BONE HAM, case code 042421897098
• OC HOT BUTT CAPPY- FIBER, case code 042421813722
• OC SWT SLICE HAM BABY1/2, case code 042421818222
• OC CAPPY BRAND HAM NC 1/2, case code 042421815528
• OC CANADIAN STYLE BACN JR, case code 042421834727

What Are the Symptoms of a Listeria Infection?

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, can present a range of symptoms that vary in severity depending on the individual’s health and the extent of the infection. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial, especially since Listeria can cause serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Here, we break down the common symptoms associated with Listeria infection and highlight why prompt medical attention is important.

Early Symptoms of Listeria

The initial symptoms of a Listeria infection can be mild and may resemble those of other foodborne illnesses, such as the flu. These early symptoms typically appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food. The variability in onset time can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause, especially if the contaminated food was consumed weeks prior.

Common early symptoms include:

• Fever: A low-grade fever is often one of the first signs of Listeria. While fever alone might not seem alarming, it can be accompanied by other symptoms that indicate a more serious underlying issue.
• Muscle Aches: Generalized muscle aches and stiffness can occur, mimicking symptoms of other illnesses, such as the flu. If muscle pain is present along with fever, it may signal a more serious Listeria infection.
• Nausea and Diarrhea: As with many other foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. These symptoms can be more severe in some individuals, leading to dehydration and fatigue.

While these early symptoms may appear mild, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation if you suspect Listeria exposure, especially if you fall into a high-risk category.

Severe Symptoms and Complications

In some cases, Listeria can progress beyond mild symptoms and lead to more serious complications. This is particularly true if the infection spreads from the digestive system to other parts of the body, such as the nervous system. Severe symptoms may include:

• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches can indicate that the Listeria infection has reached the central nervous system. This symptom should not be ignored, especially if accompanied by other neurological signs.
• Stiff Neck: A stiff neck is a warning sign that the infection may have caused meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis caused by Listeria can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
• Confusion or Changes in Mental State: Symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, or changes in mental alertness may occur if the infection spreads to the brain. These neurological symptoms signal a potentially life-threatening condition that necessitates urgent care.
• Loss of Balance and Convulsions: In severe cases, Listeria can affect the nervous system, leading to balance issues, dizziness, and even seizures. This is a medical emergency that should be treated as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage or death.

Listeria Symptoms in High-Risk Groups

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications from Listeria infection:

• Pregnant Women: Listeriosis can cause mild symptoms in pregnant women, but the consequences for the fetus can be severe, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
• Elderly Individuals: Older adults may experience more severe symptoms, and the infection can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, leading to complications such as sepsis or meningitis.
• Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or individuals with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of severe symptoms. The infection can rapidly progress and cause life-threatening conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any symptoms that may suggest a Listeria infection, especially if you belong to a high-risk group, seek medical care promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe complications and improve the chances of a full recovery. Listeria infections are treatable with antibiotics, but timely intervention is key to preventing serious outcomes.

Being aware of the symptoms and understanding the risks can help you take quick action if you suspect a Listeria infection.

Should you file a Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one consumed Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently contracted a Listeria infection—or if you tragically lost someone due to complications related to this outbreak—you may have the right to seek legal recourse. Our firm is currently investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of individuals and families impacted by the outbreak.

Filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses: Listeria infections often require extensive medical care, including hospital stays, medication, and long-term treatment.
• Lost Wages: If you or a family member had to miss work due to illness, you might be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of battling a Listeria infection can be overwhelming, and compensation may be available for the pain and suffering endured.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has passed away due to Listeria, a wrongful death lawsuit can help cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

The expert legal team at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLC is committed to thoroughly investigating your case, identifying the responsible parties, and pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.

Frequently asked questions about Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuits