Deadly deli meat crisis escalates: A 10th death is reported in Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak
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A listeria outbreak linked to a Boar's Head deli meat plant in Virginia has now tragically resulted in a 10th fatality, casting a shadow over the safety of our food supply and leaving communities across 19 states grappling with the consequences. It is no doubt a stark reminder that we cannot always trust the food we buy.
The outbreak, which has been traced back to liverwurst produced at the now-shutdown Jarratt, Virginia facility, has led to at least 59 reported cases of listeria food poisoning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented illnesses from late May through late August, with every individual affected requiring hospitalization.
The most recent death occurred in New York, adding to a growing list of fatalities that includes two in New York and South Carolina, and one each in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico. This alarming spread underscores the insidious nature of listeria and the importance of vigilance in food consumption and handling.
Boar's Head, a company based in Sarasota, Florida, took action on September 13 by closing the Jarratt plant and halting the production of liverwurst.
This decision followed inspection reports that highlighted concerning conditions such as mold presence, insect infestations, dripping water, and residues of meat and fat on the plant's walls, floors, and equipment—issues that had been noted for at least two years.
The repercussions for Boar's Head have been severe, with multiple lawsuits filed in relation to the deaths and illnesses. The plant ceased operations in late July when the U.S. Agriculture Department suspended inspections, and the company recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats due to potential contamination risks. Boar's Head has expressed regret and issued apologies for the contamination found in their products. You can see one of their Facebook posts addressing this issue below.
Listeria infections are notoriously resilient, capable of surviving and even thriving in refrigerated environments. Annually, an estimated 1,600 people in the United States contract listeria food poisoning, with approximately 260 succumbing to the illness, as per CDC data.
The challenge in controlling listeria outbreaks lies in the bacteria's long incubation period, with symptoms potentially appearing up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this outbreak? Do you have additional tips for food safety? Share your stories and tips in the comment section below!
The outbreak, which has been traced back to liverwurst produced at the now-shutdown Jarratt, Virginia facility, has led to at least 59 reported cases of listeria food poisoning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented illnesses from late May through late August, with every individual affected requiring hospitalization.
Listeria infections are notoriously resilient, capable of surviving and even thriving in refrigerated environments. Image source: Pexels.
The most recent death occurred in New York, adding to a growing list of fatalities that includes two in New York and South Carolina, and one each in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico. This alarming spread underscores the insidious nature of listeria and the importance of vigilance in food consumption and handling.
Boar's Head, a company based in Sarasota, Florida, took action on September 13 by closing the Jarratt plant and halting the production of liverwurst.
This decision followed inspection reports that highlighted concerning conditions such as mold presence, insect infestations, dripping water, and residues of meat and fat on the plant's walls, floors, and equipment—issues that had been noted for at least two years.
The repercussions for Boar's Head have been severe, with multiple lawsuits filed in relation to the deaths and illnesses. The plant ceased operations in late July when the U.S. Agriculture Department suspended inspections, and the company recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats due to potential contamination risks. Boar's Head has expressed regret and issued apologies for the contamination found in their products. You can see one of their Facebook posts addressing this issue below.
Listeria infections are notoriously resilient, capable of surviving and even thriving in refrigerated environments. Annually, an estimated 1,600 people in the United States contract listeria food poisoning, with approximately 260 succumbing to the illness, as per CDC data.
The challenge in controlling listeria outbreaks lies in the bacteria's long incubation period, with symptoms potentially appearing up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this outbreak? Do you have additional tips for food safety? Share your stories and tips in the comment section below!
