Boar's Head Lawsuit: Deli Meats Recalled Over Listeria Outbreak

About the Boar's Head Listeria Recall 

In July 2024, Boar’s Head expanded its initial May recall for deli meats contaminated with listeria. Between May and July, 71 Boar’s Head products have been affected by the recall. To date, approximately 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been recalled.

Boar’s Head launched the recall after the U.S. Department of Agriculture shockingly discovered highly unsanitary conditions at the company’s Virginia facility, including: 

• Mold
• Mildew
• Insects

The agency recorded 69 instances of noncompliance with federal safety standards in this facility alone. Furthermore, an epidemiological investigation confirmed the listeria in Boar’s Head products.

“I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication that Levin Simes delivered, I couldn't have handled this without them. They are professional and care about you! I highly recommend them!”

- Client: Nicole G.

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. It’s often found in contaminated food, like deli meats, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, and some ready-to-eat meals.

When someone eats contaminated food, they might first experience mild symptoms like fever and muscle aches. However, listeriosis can quickly become severe, leading to symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Loss of balance 
• Upset stomach
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Chills

What makes listeria even more insidious is that it does not cause the contaminated food to smell or change its texture or taste. So, unlike spoiled food, people may have no idea they are eating something that can cause a serious infection.

Can Listeria Cause Death?

Yes, in some cases, listeria can lead to death. Listeriosis is especially dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. A severe case of listeria can spread to the bloodstream or brain, leading to: 

• Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection, causing severe illness and organ failure.
• Meningitis: An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms like fever and headache.
• Encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain, which can cause confusion, seizures, and other neurological issues.
• Death.

Additionally, listeriosis in pregnant women puts not only their lives but also their babies' lives at risk. Pregnant women who contract listeriosis may suffer: 

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Potentially fatal infection after birth

So far, a total of 59 people have been hospitalized across 19 states, and 10 people have died because of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak.

It’s infuriating that something as simple as an unsuspecting pack of deli meat could cost someone their life. Listeria has the power to upend lives in ways you wouldn’t expect, and in today’s age, we, as consumers, should never have to worry about what we buy in grocery stores.

If you or a loved one experienced any of these injuries after eating recalled Boar’s Head products, you may qualify for a Boar’s Head listeria outbreak lawsuit. Reach out to Levin Simes online or call (415) 426-3000 today.

What Products Were Affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria Recall?

Meat products affected by the Listeria recall consist of numerous items from Boar’s Head and Old Country brands that were bought before July 31, 2024, including: 

• Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst
• Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM
• Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM
• Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM
• Boar’s Head BOLOGNA
• Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI
• Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT
• Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA
• Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA

This list is not an exhaustive list. The company has recalled all deli products, including prepackaged ones.

To find out if your Boar’s Head products could be contaminated with listeria, check for the establishment numbers “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the labels.

Do not eat any potentially contaminated meats. These products should be thrown away or returned to the store where you bought them.

Which States Have Been Impacted by the Deli Meat Listeria Recall?

The recall is in effect across all 50 states. However, 19 states have reported confirmed listeria cases, including: 

• Arizona
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

Listeriosis symptoms can take time to appear, often ranging from a few days to even as late as 10 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. According to the CDC, symptoms usually start 2 weeks after eating the contaminated food. This means someone could feel perfectly fine for weeks before showing any signs of illness. 

Additionally, not everyone with listeriosis reports their case officially, so there may be unreported instances in your area. Because of this, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and check your fridge for potentially contaminated products, even if you don’t live in one of the states listed above.

Do I Qualify for a Boar's Head Recall Lawsuit? 

Several lawsuits have already been filed against Boar’s Head in response to the listeria outbreak. Our firm expects more people to come forward, as listeriosis symptoms can take many weeks to present. 

You may be eligible to file a Boar’s Head lawsuit if you or a loved one: 

• Ate recalled Boar’s Head products.
• Developed a serious illness afterward. 
• Were hospitalized because of complications related to listeriosis.  
• Passed away due to an infection from the contaminated products. 

“Companies must take full responsibility for the conditions that allow listeria to thrive in their products. There is no excuse for allowing unsanitary environments in facilities that serve food to the public. These cases aren’t just about mild stomach pains and nausea—listeriosis can lead to tragic cases of severe illness and even death.”

- Attorney William A. Levin

Do I Have to Work With a Lawyer in a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit? 

Foodborne illness cases can be challenging for several reasons. First, it can be difficult to trace your illness back to a specific food item, especially if you ate at multiple places or consumed different products. 

You might not remember everything you ate in the days leading up to getting sick. Additionally, connecting your symptoms to a specific product can be tough since symptoms may not surface until weeks later in listeria cases.

This is why having a lawyer is important. The Boar’s Head lawyers at Levin Simes can help you determine if you have a strong case against Boar’s Head and assist you in gathering the evidence needed to support your claim.

Plus, studies show that having a lawyer on your side can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. A survey by Martindale-Nolo found over 90% of respondents with legal representation obtained a settlement or award, while only 50% of those who managed their own injury claims were successful.