An unfortunate situation has unfolded as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that six more individuals have tragically lost their lives due to a listeria outbreak linked to specific Boar’s Head meat products. This brings the total death toll to nine, with an additional fourteen people becoming infected, resulting in a total of 57 hospitalized individuals.
The outbreak, which originated from a Boar’s Head liverwurst sample in Maryland back in May, has affected two individuals in Pennsylvania and five in New Jersey. The CDC has expressed concerns that the actual number of those affected may be higher, and the outbreak could potentially extend beyond states with known infections.
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This listeria outbreak is the most significant in the United States since 2011 when a cantaloupe-related outbreak claimed the lives of 33 individuals across 28 states. Listeria is a serious foodborne illness that poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Boar’s Head has expressed deep remorse for the impact of this recall on affected families and has expanded their recall efforts to ensure consumer safety. Products with sell-by dates between July 25 and Aug. 30 were initially recalled, followed by an expanded recall of 7 million pounds of meat from their facility in Jarrett, Virginia.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for any recalled products, including packaged bacon, sausage, and frankfurters. Boar’s Head has confirmed that all recalled items have been removed from retail outlets and are no longer available for purchase.
In response to the recall, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Boar’s Head, highlighting the legal ramifications of such a widespread food safety issue.