Every year, it seems, there is a large scale recall of a particular and popular commodity. In recent years, the recalls have ranged from leafy greens to charcuterie products. In July 2024, another category of products came under scrutiny — liverwurst and other deli meats.

The problem was reportedly discovered when the Maryland Department of Health collected a sample of liverwurst as part of an outbreak investigation. The sample ultimately tested positive for L. monocytogenes, and the strain was reportedly linked to an outbreak involving 57 case patients in 18 states. All 57 case patients were hospitalized, and, unfortunately, 9 people lost their lives.

Following the initial announcement of the recall, Boar's Head Provision Co. elected, in an abundance of caution, to recall other deli products that were produced in the same facility. Eventually, the recall was expanded to include over 7 million pounds of deli products. Notably, in addition to the regulatory and potential civil product liability exposure the company is now facing, it has also been targeted in class action lawsuits alleging, in essence, that the company failed to warn its customers prior to purchase that its products were contaminated. We anticipate that, for several public policy and other reasons, these types of class action lawsuits should be quickly dismissed.

What’s most interesting about this outbreak and recall is the sophistication and excellent well-earned reputation of the company involved. I have had interactions with the company over my years practicing as a food industry lawyer, and I have always been left feeling very impressed by the leadership and culture.

The lesson that I draw from this instance is one that I have with industry shared for years. In every food facility, there are risks which could lead to a massive recall hiding just beyond sight, lurking somewhere in the shadows, or reading to prance just around the next corner. Our job is to continuously remind ourselves of this fact and, in our continual and never-ending fight for food safety, keep reminding ourselves to never become complacent.

Where we, as industry, will ultimately find success, is by continuously challenging ourselves, our presumptions, our science, our models, and our systems. We must not only challenge our organizations generally, but we must also challenge ourselves as individual food safety professionals. What the science instructs us to do today, will likely instruct us to do something different and even better in the future.

I am certain that many additional positive lessons will be learned from the most recent outbreak and recall. In this case, the efforts to effect additional improvement in our food safety systems and facilities will be lead by a world-class company and well-respected experts. We all look forward to watching them make us proud.

Boar's Head: Navigating Risks in the Deli Industry

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