Missouri Couple Sues Boar’s Head Over Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

An elderly couple from Missouri, Patrick and Sue Fleming, has filed the first lawsuit related to the recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head meats, which were sliced at deli counters. The outbreak has affected nearly three dozen people and has tragically resulted in two deaths.

LISTERIA OUTBREAK UPDATE: 34 people sick in 13 states, with 2 deaths. Several Boar’s Head deli meat products have been recalled. Do not eat recalled products. Those at increased risk of illness should heat all other deli meats before eating.

Read more: https://t.co/41EEWn0H0u pic.twitter.com/tD0uAQ9AFa

— CDC (@CDCgov) July 26, 2024

The Flemings are seeking compensation exceeding $25,000 from Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets, citing medical expenses, “loss of enjoyment of life,” and “damage to the marital relationship.” The lawsuit, filed in St. Louis circuit court, claims that Patrick Fleming has lost the companionship, support, and affection of his wife, Sue, due to her severe illness.

The complaint details that Sue Fleming, 88, fell seriously ill after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst purchased by Patrick, 76, at a Schnucks Markets location in Ballwin, Missouri, in June. Sue experienced severe symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, whole-body aches, shaking, and muscle weakness.

Following her severe illness, Sue required intensive treatment and was hospitalized for nine days. After her hospital stay, she spent 11 days in a rehabilitation center, attempting to recover her previous health status. Despite this, Sue continues to suffer from the lingering effects of the infection, including neurological symptoms, fatigue, and general weakness.

CHECK YOUR FRIDGE 🥪 Boar’s Head is recalling more than 200,000 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat after some unopened products tested positive for listeria amid a multi-state, deadly outbreak that is under investigation.

FULL RECALL LIST: https://t.co/glmEvOSCdB pic.twitter.com/vLDWHVNndz

— 10 Tampa Bay (@10TampaBay) July 26, 2024

The Flemings are suing Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets for various claims, including manufacturing defects and negligence. They argue that the companies failed to ensure the safety of their products, leading to Sue’s severe illness and subsequent health complications.

In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled over 207,000 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats produced between June 11 and July 17. Additionally, Stop & Shop announced the temporary closure of all its store delis as a precautionary measure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34 people across 13 states have been affected by the listeria outbreak. Of these, 33 individuals required hospitalization, and two succumbed to the infection. The majority of cases were reported in New York.

Listeria infections, though rare, can be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The CDC reports that out of the 1,600 listeria cases annually in the U.S., approximately 260 result in death.

Boar’s Head is recalling several products amid an ongoing investigation by the CDC into an outbreak of listeria infections linked to meats sliced at delis that have sickened at least 34 people across 13 states. https://t.co/RFDZFhVklM pic.twitter.com/arHEBj88Mv

— ABC News (@ABC) July 27, 2024

Both Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit and the outbreak.

Major Points:

• An elderly Missouri couple, Patrick and Sue Fleming, filed a lawsuit against Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets following a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head meats, seeking over $25,000 for damages.
• Sue, 88, became critically ill after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst, experiencing severe symptoms and requiring nine days of hospitalization and additional rehabilitation.
• The lawsuit alleges negligence and manufacturing defects, citing the companies’ failure to ensure the safety of their products, leading to Sue’s severe illness.
• In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled over 207,000 pounds of deli meats, and Stop & Shop temporarily closed all store delis.
• The CDC reported 34 cases of listeria across 13 states, with 33 hospitalizations and two deaths, primarily affecting vulnerable populations.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News