Table of Contents
At Dermer Appel Ruder, our Norcross personal injury lawyers understand that foodborne illnesses know, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Listeria infections cause about 1,600 illnesses yearly in the U.S., and about 260 people die. People older than 65, those who are pregnant, or those who have weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.
Inspections at the Boar’s Head plant in Virginia, which was linked to the largest listeria outbreak in more than a decade, revealed black mold, mildew, bugs, and unsanitary conditions. Between Aug. 1, 2023, and Aug. 2, 2024, inspectors found “heavy discolored meat buildup” and “meat overspray on walls and large pieces of meat on the floor.” They also documented flies “going in and out” of pickle vats and “black mold patches” on a ceiling. One inspector detailed blood puddled on the floor and “a rancid smell in the cooler.” The documents showed that plant staff were repeatedly notified that they had failed to meet requirements.
The plant has been linked to the deaths of at least nine people and hospitalizations of about 50 others in 18 states. All were sickened with listeria after eating Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc. deli meats. Operations at the plant have been suspended, but it’s unclear whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture will penalize Boar’s Head for the dozens of health and safety violations at the location.
If you or someone you love has suffered adverse health effects from eating contaminated Boar’s Head products, contact our experienced foodborne illness attorneys in Georgia today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Which Boar’s Head Deli Meats Have Been Contaminated with Listeria?
Many of the products recalled by Boar’s Head are meats meant to be sliced at grocery store deli counters, though some prepackaged meats are included in the recall.
They include liverwurst, ham, beef salami, bologna, and other products made at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant. The recalled meats carry the plant’s number—EST.12612 or P-12612—inside the USDA mark on the label.
The meat was distributed to stores nationwide, as well as in the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama.
Consumers should not eat the recalled meats and should discard them or return them to the store for a refund.
How Does Listeria Make People Sick?
People are sickened with Listeria poisoning when they eat foods contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms can be mild, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe illnesses can include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Listeria poisoning is tricky because symptoms can start quickly within a few hours or days of eating contaminated food. However, they can also take weeks or up to three months to show up.
Those most vulnerable to getting sick include the very young, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
Have You or Someone You Love Suffered from Listeria Poisoning in Georgia?
If you believe you have suffered Listeria poisoning from eating Boar’s Head products, contact our Georgia foodborne illness injury lawyers at Dermer Appel Ruder today by calling 404-620-2224 or online to discuss your case during a free consultation.
We will outline your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.