10th Death Reported in Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak as Plant Closure Sparks Lawsuits

Health officials have officially confirmed the 10th death in connection to the ongoing listeria outbreak tied to a Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 59 people across 19 states have been affected by the outbreak, which was first traced to liverwurst produced at the plant. The illnesses occurred between late May and late August 2024, and all those affected were hospitalized.

The most recent death was reported in New York, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10. Other deaths occurred in South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico. In response, Boar’s Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat, permanently halted production of liverwurst, and closed the Jarratt plant indefinitely. The company issued a formal apology, expressing regret for the contamination and pledging cooperation with the ongoing federal investigation.

The outbreak has been linked to unsanitary conditions at the Virginia plant, including mold, insects, and residue of meat and fat on walls and equipment. The facility has remained closed since July after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended inspections. Boar’s Head is now facing several lawsuits from the families of those affected by the outbreak.

Listeria is a bacteria that can survive in cold temperatures, making it particularly dangerous in refrigerated food products like deli meats. The CDC estimates that about 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeria infections annually, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. Symptoms of listeria infection can appear up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food, making it difficult to trace the origin of an outbreak.

Boar’s Head continues to cooperate with authorities as they work to investigate the full extent of the contamination and its impact. The company is under pressure to address both the public health crisis and the legal challenges posed by the outbreak, which has led to growing concerns over food safety practices in the industry.