Expect More Illnesses in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meat

A well-known food safety attorney has stated that additional illnesses are likely in connection with the ongoing multistate listeria outbreak linked to deli meat from Boar’s Head. This situation has raised concerns about the need for Congressional investigation.

The outbreak has resulted in at least 57 hospitalizations and nine fatalities across 18 states since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first made the link public on July 19. As of August 28, the CDC reported six additional deaths associated with the outbreak, with fatalities occurring in New Mexico, New York, South Carolina (two deaths), and Tennessee.

According to Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney specializing in food safety, further illnesses—and possibly additional deaths—are anticipated. He explained that the incubation period for listeria can exceed two months, indicating that individuals who consumed contaminated deli meat as far back as July may still show symptoms.

The CDC has identified that meats sliced at deli counters, particularly Boar’s Head liverwurst, were the source of the listeria contamination. In response, Boar’s Head expanded its recall to encompass all products made at the affected facility in Jarratt, Virginia.

Recent inspection reports from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service revealed alarming conditions at the plant. Over the past year, inspectors found evidence of insects, mold, and mildew, prompting questions about the facility’s cleanliness and safety protocols before its voluntary shutdown.

“These inspection reports are the worst I have ever seen,” Marler noted in an interview.

Marler has urged Congress to investigate the origins of the listeria outbreak and scrutinize why inspectors permitted the hazardous conditions to persist for such an extended period. He represents families of individuals affected by the outbreak, including those who died and others who fell ill.

“It’s unbelievable. This plant seemed more effective at producing listeria than it was at producing safe meat. What were the inspectors doing all this time?” he questioned.

Following the confirmed link between contaminated liverwurst and the illness outbreaks, Boar’s Head announced on July 29 a voluntary recall of every product manufactured at the same facility. The company stated that it chose to implement this recall of approximately seven million pounds of product as a precautionary measure.

The CDC’s findings showed that the meats in question were primarily sliced at deli counters and had been linked to the outbreak. Inspectors found a disturbing array of issues—living and dead insects, various types of mold, and evidence of mildew in the weeks preceding the recall announcement. Just over a month later, inspections revealed consistent sightings of insects, including a steady line of ants, as well as horrifying conditions in one of the coolers, where blood was found in puddles on the floor and rancid odors permeated the air.

Marler emphasized the urgent need for accountability, suggesting that regardless of political affiliation, congressional hearings are warranted to address how the listeria outbreak emerged and why the Food Safety and Inspection Service allowed the situation to deteriorate. Over the past year, there have been 69 reports of noncompliances linked to the plant.

In total, the CDC has confirmed nine deaths and 57 confirmed cases associated with the listeria outbreak tied to sliced deli meat. The affected individuals reside across 18 states, with fatalities reported in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina (two deaths).

As the situation develops, public health experts and legal representatives continue to urge consumers to remain vigilant regarding food safety, especially concerning deli meats. The potential long incubation period for listeria emphasizes the need for thorough investigations and preventive measures in the food industry.

Source: USA TODAY