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Deli Meat Listeria Lawsuit

Deli Meat Listeria Lawsuit

Boar’s Head recalled 7.2 million pounds of deli meat after 10 people died in a severe outbreak of Listeria food poisoning illnesses.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a Listeria infection after eating Boar’s Head Deli Meat, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

10 Dead, 59 Hospitalized in Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak

In August 2024, Boar’s Head deli meat was linked to a deadly outbreak of Listeria illnesses in more than a dozen states.

According to the CDC Investigation, between June and September 2024, at least 10 people died and 59 people were hospitalized in 19 states with severe Listeria infections after eating Boar’s Head deli meat. The true number of sick people is likely much higher, health officials warned.

The hardest-hit state in the outbreak is New York, with at least 17 people hospitalized and 2 deaths linked to the contaminated deli meat.

Listeria is a bacteria that can survive on foods in the refrigerator and freezer. The recall involves more than 7.2 million pounds of deli meat products that were sold nationwide.

The symptoms of a Listeria infection may not appear for months, according to the CDC:

“Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. It can also take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis. Do not eat recalled deli meats. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024.”

Deli Meat Linked to Another Deadly Listeria Outbreak

In November 2022, the CDC reported that deli meat and cheese were linked to another deadly outbreak of Listeria infections. A total of 16 people were infected with Listeria, including 13 people who were hospitalized due to severe infections, and 1 death was reported in Maryland. A pregnant woman also became ill and suffered a miscarriage.

The illnesses were reported in 6 states, including New York (7), Maryland (3), Illinois (2), Massachusetts (2), California (1), and New Jersey (1).

According to the investigation, 11 of the victims are of Eastern European background or speak Russian, although the CDC is not sure why the outbreak has disproportionately affected these people. Five people said they bought sliced deli meat or cheese from NetCost Market, a grocery store chain that sells international foods.

Italian-Style Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak

On January 28, 2021, the CDC reported that the outbreak is over. Even so, the CDC recommends that high-risk people should not eat deli meats, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.

On October 23, 2020, health officials reported that a deadly outbreak of Listeria was linked to Italian-style deli meat,.

As of January 26, 2021, there were 12 people hospitalized in 4 states: Florida (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (7), and New York (3). One death was reported in Florida.

All of the sick people reported eating Italian-style deli meats before falling ill, such as salami, mortadella, and prosciutto. Some sick people ate pre-packaged deli meats, while others ate meat that was sliced at deli counters at various locations.

A specific type of deli meat and common supplier were not identified. No recalls have been issued.

The sick people tested positive for Listeria between August 6, 2020 and October 30, 2020.

CDC: Deli Meat May Be Contaminated by Listeria Bacteria

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that deli meat, lunch meat, and cold cuts can be contaminated with Listeria: “Avoid eating deli meats, unless heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.”

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Listeria can cause different symptoms, depending on the person. For example, pregnant women typically experience only fever and other flu-like symptoms, but commonly suffer a miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the baby.

People who are not pregnant may experience symptoms such as a fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

People with invasive Listeria infections usually report symptoms 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food. Some people have reported symptoms as late as 70 days afterward, or as early as the same day of exposure.

Do I have a Deli Meat Listeria Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a Listeria infection after eating Boar’s Head Deli Meat, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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