Third Person Dies, More Hospitalized from Listeria Linked to Boars Head Meats

The CDC confirmed that a third death is connected to the listeria outbreak among Boar’s Head deli meats.

The CDC reports, “Since the last update on July 31, 9 more cases have been reported bringing the total to 43. All 43 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have now been reported, one from Illinois, one from New Jersey, and, as of this update, one from Virginia.”

Boar’s Head issued a recall in late July, which has since expanded to include all its deli meat products, including its prepackaged selection.

Third person dies in listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats https://t.co/FeoyaS50RH

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 8, 2024

The UDSA reported that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, the company recalled not only that product but other products produced on the same line and on the same day as the recalled products.

In total, Boars Head has recalled approximately 207,528 pounds of products. The CDC says that the recalled products should not be eaten. They should be thrown away or returned to the point of purchase.

Boar’s Head already faces two lawsuits over the outbreak, one in a Missouri court and the other a class action suit in federal court in New York. CBS reports that Rita Torres of Queens accuses Boars Head of “deceptive and misleading business practices” for not adequately labeling products contaminated with listeria.

“On behalf of all of us at Boar’s Head Brand, we want to let our customers and consumers know that we deeply regret that our liverwurst products were found to be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes,” Boars Head said in a statement posted on its website. “No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for the families that have suffered losses and others who endured illness.”