Boar’s Head Deli Meat Outbreak: Expect More Listeria Cases, Warns Food Safety Attorney
As the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat continues to spread, food safety attorney Bill Marler has issued a stern warning: more illnesses are likely, and the situation calls for a congressional investigation.
The outbreak, which has now resulted in at least 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths across 18 states, shows no signs of abating.
The Ongoing Listeria Outbreak
Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported the outbreak on July 19, the number of affected individuals has steadily risen.
As of August 28, six new deaths have been reported, marking the first fatalities in New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The CDC’s latest data indicates that the source of the contamination was deli meats sliced at counters, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst.
Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney who specializes in food safety, has expressed deep concern over the potential for more illnesses.
“The incubation period for listeria can extend beyond two months,” Marler explained.
“This means that individuals who consumed contaminated deli meat in July could still develop symptoms in the coming weeks.”
Inspection Reports Reveal Serious Concerns
Recent inspection reports from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have shed light on the alarming conditions at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, where the contaminated products were produced.
Inspectors found insects, mold, and mildew within the facility in the months leading up to the outbreak.
Despite these findings, the plant continued operations until a voluntary shutdown was initiated due to the outbreak.
“This is the worst set of inspection reports I have ever seen,” said Marler, who is currently representing the family of one victim and two other individuals affected by the outbreak.
He is calling for Congress to investigate not only how the outbreak occurred but also why FSIS inspectors allowed such conditions to persist.
Boar’s Head Expands Recall Amidst Growing Concerns
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head expanded its recall on July 29 to include every product made at the Jarratt facility.
The recall now covers over seven million pounds of various deli meats, including ham, bologna, and liverwurst.
The company stated, “We believed it was the right thing to do” after a link between the liverwurst and the listeria outbreak was confirmed.
A full list of the recalled products has been made available, and consumers are urged to check their purchases against this list.
Boar’s Head has emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its customers.
What Did Federal Inspectors Find?
The FSIS inspection reports paint a grim picture of the conditions at the Boar’s Head plant.
In one instance, inspectors observed a “steady line of ants” on a wall, while another report detailed “ample amounts of blood in puddles on the floor” in the plant’s Raw Receiving cooler.
The reports, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, highlight 69 instances of “noncompliances” at the facility over the past year.
Marler believes these findings warrant immediate congressional oversight. “It’s a layup, whether you are a Republican or Democrat, to have congressional hearings on why this happened and why FSIS inspectors let this thing drag on,” he said.
States Affected by the Outbreak
The CDC has confirmed that the outbreak has sickened individuals across 18 states, with fatalities reported in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina.
As the situation evolves, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely.
An Urgent Call for Action
The ongoing listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has raised significant concerns about food safety standards and regulatory oversight.
With more illnesses and potential deaths expected, there is an urgent need for congressional investigation and stricter enforcement of food safety regulations.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, check the recall list, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with listeria.