A listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has led to one of the biggest food recalls of 2024, accounting for over 7 million pounds of meat products. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the outbreak resulted in ten deaths and sixty hospitalizations across 19 states. Boar’s Head later announced that they were closing their Virginia plant responsible for the outbreak. What’s worse, safety inspectors had already documented serious safety concerns two years earlier, but regulators failed to take action.
If you have been harmed by listeria linked to specific foods, our food poisoning attorneys may be able to help. I’ll tell you more below. In the meantime, if you believe you may have a case, call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with Buttafuoco & Associates.
Listeria Overview
Listeria outbreaks are not uncommon. In fact, the CDC’s disease surveillance teams have investigated two other listeria outbreaks just this year. In February, an outbreak linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese made by Rizo-Lopez Foods resulted in 23 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. As of this writing, an investigation is currently being conducted in regard to an outbreak connected to Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that has resulted in 9 hospitalizations and one death so far.
While these numbers may seem small, these are only the verifiable cases connected to the outbreak, and food outbreak investigators estimate the burden of disease is much higher.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness. Some of the foods most associated with listeria include deli foods and prepared meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals. Furthermore, unlike many foodborne pathogens, listeria can grow in refrigerated environments and can make the jump to other foods in proximity.
Infection typically isn’t severe for healthy individuals but can lead to serious health complications for pregnant women, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, the bacteria can result in meningitis, miscarriage, or death. The CDC estimates that 1,600 people are infected each year, resulting in 260 deaths.
How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been affected by a foodborne illness, you may have a product liability case, and a skilled attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumption. When another party’s negligence leads to contamination, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been harmed by someone else’s negligence, your health and safety deserve to be protected. However, our food poisoning attorneys note that a product liability case regarding foodborne illness can be challenging, so working with a vetted attorney is essential. For example, tracing the contamination back to the responsible party—whether the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer—requires thorough investigation and expert testimony. That is why our team at Buttafuoco & Associates highly recommend finding qualified and experienced legal representation to ensure your case’s success.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, our experienced product liability attorneys understand the complexities of food safety cases. We will investigate the source of contamination, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been harmed by a foodborne illness, call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
