Boar’s Head is currently dealing with at least seven lawsuits following the recall of millions of pounds of its deli meats in August, after they were connected to a severe listeria outbreak.
Details of the Listeria Outbreak
The recent outbreak has resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states, with the recalled products traced back to Boar’s Head’s facility in Jarratt, Virginia. At least nine fatalities have been reported, including two in South Carolina and one each in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and New York. Health officials warn that the actual number of infected individuals may be higher, and others in different states could also be affected.
Health Violations at Boar’s Head Facility
Federal food inspectors discovered numerous health violations at the Jarratt plant, including the presence of mold, mildew, and insects. In response, Boar’s Head stated on August 29 that it is conducting a thorough investigation in collaboration with the USDA and food safety experts to understand how its liverwurst became contaminated. Production at the facility has been suspended until it meets both USDA and the company’s safety standards.
Understanding Listeria Risks
Listeria monocytogenes can be transmitted via contaminated water, surfaces, and improperly cleaned equipment. The USDA maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for listeria in ready-to-eat meats, meaning any contamination renders the product unsafe.
Lawsuits and Claims Against Boar’s Head
The lawsuits, which include claims for personal injury, wrongful death, and deceptive marketing practices, seek damages ranging from $25,000 to over $5 million. Here are some notable cases:
Ashley Solberg, Minnesota
Solberg, who was 35 weeks pregnant at the time, purchased Boar’s Head deli meat in Florida. After returning to Minnesota, she became ill with a listeria infection that matched the outbreak strain, resulting in a six-day hospitalization. Her lawsuit accuses Boar’s Head of negligence and seeks over $75,000 in damages.
Sue Fleming, Missouri
Fleming claims she suffered severe illness after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst in June 2024. She was hospitalized for nine days and underwent an additional 11 days of rehabilitation. Her lawsuit alleges negligence and seeks over $25,000 in damages.
Gunter Morgenstein, New York
Morgenstein, who was 88 years old, died after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst. His lawsuit claims that his death resulted from sepsis and listeria meningitis linked to the contaminated deli meat.
Jeffrey Scott Cox, Alabama
Cox alleges severe neurological symptoms after eating Boar’s Head bologna, leaving him hospitalized and on a ventilator. His mother’s lawsuit seeks more than $75,000 for alleged negligence and violations of product liability laws.
Rita Torres, New York
Torres has filed a class-action lawsuit claiming that Boar’s Head misled consumers by not adequately warning them about the listeria contamination. She seeks over $5 million in damages, arguing that the company’s recall efforts were insufficient.
Sheryl Gatoff, California
Gatoff’s class-action suit alleges that Boar’s Head failed to disclose the potential risk of listeria in its products, claiming violations of California consumer laws due to the lack of warning labels.
Samantha Chuskas, Illinois
Chuskas’s class-action lawsuit accuses Boar’s Head of false advertising, stating that the company’s marketing misrepresented the safety of its contaminated products.
As these legal challenges unfold, Boar’s Head is under increasing scrutiny regarding its food safety practices and consumer transparency.