Boar’s Head Recall

A pregnant woman from Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Boar’s Head, a leading deli meat manufacturer, after she claimed to have contracted listeria from consuming their deli meat. The recall comes amid a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recalling 7 million pounds’ worth of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

Mass Recall and Outbreak Investigation

The mass recall was issued after an investigation by the FSIS revealed that Boar’s Head products had been linked to the listeria outbreak. The recall affects a wide range of products, including ham, turkey, and chicken, which were sold at various retailers, including Publix supermarkets in Florida.

Pregnant Woman’s Ordeal

The lawsuit, filed in the District of Minnesota, alleges that the 36-week pregnant woman, Ashley Solberg, developed a severe illness and was hospitalized after consuming the tainted deli meat. According to the lawsuit, Solberg suffered from diarrhea, fever, chills, headaches, and body aches, among other symptoms, and was hospitalized for six days.

Risks of Listeria Infection During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to be infected with listeria than other people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risks of listeria infection during pregnancy include miscarriage, premature labor, low-birth-weight infants, and infant death. An infected baby can also develop a range of health issues, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or impairments of the brain, heart, or kidney.

Concerns Over Food Safety

The lawsuit highlights concerns over food safety and the need for food manufacturers to take measures to prevent contamination. The law firm representing Solberg, OFT Food and Safety Lawyers, called on Boar’s Head to adopt sanitation policies and testing programs to eliminate listeria in their production facilities.

Listeria Outbreak and Recall

A multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has led to a massive recall of 7 million pounds’ worth of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products by Boar’s Head. The recall was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in response to an investigation into the outbreak.

Recalled Products and Distribution

The recalled products include a wide range of deli meats, such as ham, turkey, and chicken, which were sold at various retailers, including Publix supermarkets in Florida. The recall affects products with specific product codes and “Sell By” dates, which can be found on the FSIS website.

Outbreak Details

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has resulted in 43 reported illnesses, with 3 deaths. The outbreak was reported in 13 states, including Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Boar’s Head Response

Boar’s Head has not commented publicly on the recall or the lawsuit filed by the pregnant woman. However, the company has issued a statement on their website, stating that they are cooperating fully with the investigation and taking steps to ensure the safety of their products.

Public Health Concerns

The listeria outbreak and recall have raised concerns over public health and food safety. The CDC has warned that pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to listeria infections. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and storage practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Pregnant Woman’s Lawsuit

A pregnant woman from Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Boar’s Head, alleging that she contracted listeria from consuming their deli meat. The lawsuit was filed in the District of Minnesota and is the first federal lawsuit following the mass recall.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit, filed by Ashley Solberg, alleges that she developed a severe illness and was hospitalized after consuming the tainted deli meat. Solberg, who was 36 weeks pregnant at the time, suffered from diarrhea, fever, chills, headaches, and body aches, among other symptoms. She was hospitalized for six days and received intensive antibiotic treatment to protect her unborn child.

Risks of Listeria Infection During Pregnancy

The lawsuit highlights the risks of listeria infection during pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature labor, low-birth-weight infants, and infant death. An infected baby can also develop a range of health issues, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or impairments of the brain, heart, or kidney.

Seeking Compensation

Solberg is seeking “an amount far greater than” $75,000 in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Boar’s Head failed to take adequate measures to prevent contamination and that their products were sold despite being contaminated with listeria.

Labor and Delivery Concerns

The lawsuit also states that Solberg was left with concerns about the lasting impact of the infection on her unborn child. She was reportedly frightened by the experience and worried about the potential long-term effects on her baby’s health. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for manufacturers to take measures to prevent contamination.

Risks of Listeria Infection

Listeria infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are 10 times more likely to be infected with listeria than other people.

Consequences for the Unborn Child

An infected baby can develop a range of health issues, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or impairments of the brain, heart, or kidney. In severe cases, listeria infection can cause miscarriage, premature labor, or stillbirth.

Long-term Effects

Even if the baby survives the infection, it can still experience long-term effects. According to the CDC, an infected baby may experience developmental delays, learning disabilities, or other health problems.

Why Pregnant Women are at Risk

Pregnant women are at higher risk of listeria infection due to their weakened immune system. The bacteria can also be easily transmitted to the unborn child through the placenta.

Importance of Food Safety

The risks of listeria infection highlight the importance of food safety during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid consuming contaminated foods, such as deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw sprouts. By following proper food handling and storage practices, pregnant women can reduce their risk of listeria infection and protect their unborn child.

Company Response and Recall Impact

Boar’s Head has not commented publicly on the recall or the lawsuit filed by the pregnant woman. However, the company has issued a statement on their website, stating that they are cooperating fully with the investigation and taking steps to ensure the safety of their products.

Recall and Cleanup Efforts

The recall affects a wide range of products, including ham, turkey, and chicken, which were sold at various retailers, including Publix supermarkets in Florida. Boar’s Head has issued a statement saying that they are working to remove all affected products from store shelves and are taking steps to prevent future contamination.

Industry-Wide Response

The recall has raised concerns about food safety and the need for manufacturers to take measures to prevent contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to listeria infections.

Future Measures to Prevent Contamination

Boar’s Head has not specified what measures they will take to prevent future contamination. However, the company has said that they are committed to ensuring the safety of their products and are working to prevent future outbreaks.

Regulatory Response

The recall has also raised questions about regulatory oversight and the need for stricter food safety standards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has said that they are working to ensure that all affected products are removed from store shelves and that manufacturers are taking steps to prevent future contamination.