The recent Boar’s Head listeria recall has many of us checking our fridges and reconsidering our deli meat choices. This recall involves several popular products due to listeria contamination, which poses serious health risks. If you’ve experienced health problems from these contaminated products, there are legal options available to help with medical bills and related expenses. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we’ll guide you through them, working towards getting you the support you truly need.
In 2024, a significant listeria outbreak was traced to the Boar’s Head processing plant in Jarratt, Virginia. These harmful bacteria have led to 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations across 19 states. The contaminated deli meats, including liverwurst, raised serious concerns. During an inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found unsanitary conditions, including mold, insect infestations, and dirty equipment. Over 13 months, the facility was cited for 69 violations, pointing to a clear food safety failure.
On July 26, 2024, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced a recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats after a Maryland Department of Health test confirmed listeria contamination. This initial recall impacted over 200,000 pounds of products produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024. By July 30, Boar’s Head expanded the recall to 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry. The affected products were made at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, facility between May 10 and July 29, 2024, and distributed nationwide. Ham, salami, bologna, liverwurst, pate, and more were included in the recall, with a full list available on Boar’s Head’s website.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeria can easily spread through equipment, surfaces, and even hands. While most healthy individuals don’t experience severe symptoms, certain groups—like those over 65, newborns, and pregnant women—are at a higher risk. Pregnant women may only have mild symptoms, but listeria can be fatal for unborn babies. In fact, one pregnant woman was infected during the Boar’s Head recall but continued her pregnancy. In the U.S., around 1,600 people are diagnosed with listeriosis each year, resulting in approximately 260 deaths, making it the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness.
Foods that are often associated with listeria contamination include:
Listeria can show up in places like soil, water, and animal droppings, along with raw materials. According to the CDC, deli meats, cheeses, and other products are particularly at risk because listeria spreads easily across deli equipment and surfaces. While refrigeration is helpful, it doesn’t kill listeria, making it tough to deal with. If meats are prepared in an environment where listeria is present, it can transfer to surfaces, hands, and the food itself. For example, a listeria outbreak in 2022 caused one death and sickened 16 people across six states, while another outbreak in 2020 resulted in one death and 12 illnesses in four states.
Boar’s Head listeria recall affects a variety of its products. Here’s a quick list of what’s included in the recall:
It’s best to toss any recalled items or take them back to the store for a full refund. You can find the complete Boar’s Head recall 2024 listeria list on the company’s website.
The CDC has confirmed listeria cases linked to Boar’s Head products across 19 states. These are:
To see if you’ve bought a recalled Boar’s Head item, follow these steps:
By following these steps, you can determine if your Boar’s Head product is part of the recall and take appropriate action to ensure safety.
When dealing with listeria infection, you might experience a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Here’s what to look out for:
Listeria poses particular risks to certain populations:
If you think you may have eaten contaminated food and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.
Health officials recommend that pregnant individuals, those over 65, and people with weakened immune systems should:
If you’ve eaten any Boar’s Head deli meats involved in the recent recall, here are a few steps you should take to protect your health and prevent further complications:
Boar’s Head took these significant steps to address the issue and boost safety in response to the listeria outbreak tied to its products:
Boar’s Head is facing several lawsuits after the listeria outbreak linked to its deli meats. These cases typically fall into two categories:
These lawsuits aim to hold the company responsible for the outbreak’s effects.
The lawsuits against Boar’s Head largely revolve around claims of negligence, fraudulent concealment, and breaches of consumer protection laws following the listeria outbreak tied to its deli meat products. Below are the key allegations detailed in the lawsuits:
These allegations underscore major concerns about Boar’s Head’s food safety practices, reflecting the serious nature of the health risks and legal accountability the company faces.
Boar’s Head is facing several lawsuits related to the listeria outbreak linked to their deli meats, with claims ranging from personal injury to wrongful death. Some notable cases include:
These cases highlight the severe consequences of the listeria contamination, from significant health issues to wrongful death, with victims across the U.S. seeking compensation for Boar’s Head’s alleged negligence and failure to ensure product safety.
If you’re filing a lawsuit against Boar’s Head because of the recent listeria outbreak, here’s a clear process to help you navigate through it:
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit due to the Boar’s Head recall 2024, here are some key points to help you through the process:
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Boar’s Head if you or someone you care about has:
In lawsuits related to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, plaintiffs typically seek the following types of compensation:
Having a personal injury lawyer by your side is incredibly valuable, especially after an incident like a listeria outbreak. Here’s why:
In short, a personal injury lawyer can be your strongest ally in achieving the compensation you deserve.
The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head Deli meats has left many families facing serious health challenges. The aftermath can be heartbreaking, leading to hospitalizations, long-term complications, and even wrongful death. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we truly understand what you’re going through. If you choose to work with us, we’ll secure your compensation while prioritizing your recovery. Call us for a free case review.
His career began in public service as a Surveillance Officer in Maricopa County, where he gained firsthand experience in high-stakes decision-making and developed a deep sense of discipline and accountability. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of a fast-growing law firm, driving efficiency, revenue growth, and team development. Today, Ryan focuses on helping law firms reach their full potential by aligning people, processes, and long-term vision. A strategic thinker and empowering leader, Ryan is passionate about developing others and guiding organizations through meaningful, lasting growth.
Effective Date: 10/15/2026
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