At least 10 people have died and 59 others hospitalized across 19 states due to listeria linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, prompting a massive recall and closure of its Virginia plant.

The outbreak, which has resulted in a total of 10 confirmed deaths, has ignited widespread concern as Boar's Head recalls over 7 million pounds of contaminated deli meats and faces an ongoing investigation into its Virginia facility, notorious for health code violations. As consumers are urged to check for recalled products, the incident highlights the serious risks associated with foodborne illnesses and raises questions about food safety regulations.

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria bacteria are responsible for listeriosis, which ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. The agency has confirmed that the listeria outbreak is directly linked to the liverwurst produced by Boar's Head at its Jarratt, Virginia plant. As the fatalities mount, health officials are stressing the importance of consumer vigilance in checking for affected products.

In light of the outbreak, Boar’s Head has voluntarily discontinued sales of its liverwurst. The company announced it has closed the Jarratt plant, which had already been problematic due to ongoing health code violations. Notably, the plant has not been operational since late July, following an expansion of the meat recall. Despite the closure, consumers continue to be affected as those who contracted listeriosis are receiving treatment in hospitals across the nation.

The USDA has documented numerous health code violations at the Jarratt facility, including the presence of mold and insects, raising serious concerns about the safety practices in place at the plant. Vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk for severe illness from listeriosis. The CDC advises consumers to check the packaging for products marked with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” to ensure they do not consume contaminated meats.

In response to the outbreak, Boar's Head has faced legal repercussions, with multiple lawsuits filed against the company. These legal actions raise further questions about the company's adherence to food safety regulations and the measures they take to protect consumers. The ongoing investigations may lead to potential criminal charges, highlighting the serious implications of food safety violations.

While Boar’s Head recalls more than 7 million pounds of deli meats, authorities are working diligently to trace the source and spread of the contamination. The investigation into the company's processing plants nationwide is not only assessing the current outbreak but also looking into the broader implications of food safety standards across the industry.

As health officials continue their efforts to contain the outbreak, they emphasize the importance of awareness among consumers. Foodborne illness outbreaks pose a significant challenge not only to public health but also to regulatory systems designed to keep food safe. The outcome of the investigations into Boar's Head could shape future food safety protocols and regulations, aiming to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again in the future.