Smithfield Man Infected by Listeria Sues Boar's Head Over Outbreak

Breaking News: Listeria Outbreak Leads to Lawsuit

A Smithfield man has filed a lawsuit against Boar's Head Brand over an outbreak of listeria that has sickened at least 10 people and killed one in North Carolina. The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, alleges that Boar's Head was negligent in its production and distribution of deli meat products, leading to the outbreak. The Smithfield man, who is not identified in the lawsuit, ate Boar's Head deli meat and became ill with listeria in January. The man was hospitalized for several weeks and is still recovering from the infection.

Boar's Head Faces Lawsuit Amidst Listeria Outbreak

The lawsuit alleges that Boar's Head knew or should have known about the potential for listeria contamination in its deli meat products and failed to take adequate steps to prevent the outbreak. The lawsuit also alleges that Boar's Head failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of listeria contamination. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, including meningitis, septicemia, and miscarriage. Listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria, primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Boar's Head outbreak is the latest in a series of listeria outbreaks linked to deli meat products. In 2021, a listeria outbreak linked to deli meat from a Michigan plant caused at least 16 deaths. The outbreak prompted a nationwide recall of deli meat products and led to increased scrutiny of the deli meat industry. Listeria is a persistent bacteria that can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can contaminate food products during processing and packaging. Food companies are required to take steps to prevent listeria contamination, including proper sanitation and temperature control.