A listeria outbreak, caused by Boar’s Head liverwurst deli meat, left nine people dead and another fifty-seven hospitalized, as reported in 18 states so far. After it was linked to the outbreak, millions of pounds of deli meats originating from the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, were recalled in August. Boar’s Head faces at least seven lawsuits following the recall. 

The Center for Disease Control reported the outbreak, highlighting the significance of the shocking numbers.“This is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe,” the CDC said. 

The CDC also reports that the number of people sickened by the deli meat was probably higher than reported and likely occurred in other states.

Boar’s Head conducted an extensive investigation in collaboration with the USDA and state government regulatory agencies and released their findings to the public. Boar’s Head identified that the “root cause of the contamination [was] a specific production process that only existed at the Jarratt facility and was used only for liverwurst.” 

Following their investigation, the company announced that they would be permanently discontinuing the popular liver sausage. They also reported that they would be closing the Jarratt facility indefinitely.

In order to further prevent future incidents, Boar’s Head announced that they would be “implementing enhanced food safety and quality measures.” These measures include appointing a new chief food safety and quality assurance officer, establishing a food safety council made up of food-safety experts, and creating an enhanced companywide food safety and QA program.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to our customers and to the safety and quality of our products,” Boar’s Head said. “You have our promise that we will work tirelessly to regain your trust and ensure that all Boar’s Head products consistently meet the high standards that you deserve and expect.

Listeria is a foodborne illness that can be found in raw vegetables, contaminated meat, unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk, and certain processed foods like soft cheeses, hot dogs, and deli meats.

People who are at the highest risk of contracting the illness include pregnant women, people who are aged 65 and older, and those who have weakened immune systems. 

Preventative measures for Listeria include, but are not limited to: washing hands thoroughly, cleaning kitchen surfaces with antibacterial cleaners, scrubbing raw vegetables, and cooking food thoroughly.