The recent death linked to the listeria outbreak connected to Boar’s Head plant in Virginia brings the total death toll to 10 people, with one new death reported in New York. In total, 59 people have been infected and hospitalized across 19 states. Boar’s Head has taken steps to address the issue, closing the plant in Jarratt, Virginia, and discontinuing liverwurst production, identified as the source of the contamination.
The CDC warns that the true number of cases may be higher due to underreporting. Listeria symptoms can take weeks to appear after consumption, with the bacteria being a significant cause of foodborne illness deaths in the U.S. Boar’s Head is implementing new food safety measures, including appointing a chief food safety officer and establishing a food safety council. The company aims to improve food safety not only within its operations but industry-wide. The recent death linked to the listeria outbreak connected to Boar’s Head plant in Virginia is a devastating reminder of the serious consequences of foodborne illnesses. With the total death toll rising to 10 people and infections spread across multiple states, it’s evident that swift actions are necessary to prevent further harm. Boar’s Head’s response in closing the plant, discontinuing contaminated product lines, and implementing new food safety measures is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of consumers and preventing future outbreaks.