A New Yorker has died in connection with the listeria outbreak that shuttered a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia, marking the tenth fatality linked to its bacteria-laden meat, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed.
At least 59 people across 19 states have been sickened by deli products made at the plant in Jarratt, which has not been operational since it announced a liverwurst recall in July that was eventually expanded to include all its products.
Health officials have warned, however, that the number of victims is likely significantly higher as it can take up to 10 weeks for symptoms of listeria infection — which can include muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions — to manifest.
Each of the cases was reported between May and August, and all of those who fell ill were hospitalized, the CDC added.
The recent fatal case brings the total of deaths in New York to two. South Carolina has had two deaths as well, while Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico have each had one death related to the outbreak.
Boar’s Head, based in Sarasota, Fla., earlier this month announced the Jarratt plant would shut down entirely. The decision came after after documents released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture detailed problems at the facility, including mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years. The company has also since announced that it is taking steps to implement a companywide food safety program.
Boar’s Head previously called the outbreak a “dark moment in our company’s history” and said it would discontinue sales of its liverwurst after an investigation revealed its production process was at the root of the listeria contamination.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to our customers and to the safety and quality of our products,” Boar’s Head said in a letter to consumers. “We are determined to learn from this experience and emerge stronger.”
The CDC continues to advise consumers to check their kitchens for recalled products, which have “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels and have sell-by dates into October 2024.
With News Wire Services
