An elderly Missouri couple, Patrick and Sue Fleming, have filed a lawsuit seeking upwards of $25,000 in damages against Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets after Sue became ill from eating Boar’s Head liverwurst purchased at a Schnucks store. In the complaint filed in St. Louis circuit court, the couple claims that Patrick has suffered a loss of love, services, and support from Sue due to her illness, which led to medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to their marital relationship. Sue experienced symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and intense body aches after consuming the tainted meat.
After consuming the Boar’s Head liverwurst, Sue fell critically ill and was hospitalized for nine days, receiving intensive treatment. She then spent 11 days in a rehabilitation center attempting to regain her pre-infection baseline. Despite being discharged, she still suffers from neurological symptoms, fatigue, and overall weakness as a result of the infection. The complaint outlines the couple’s allegations of manufacturing defect and negligence against Boar’s Head and Schnucks, who were involved in a recent recall of 207,528 pounds of deli meats due to the listeria outbreak.
The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has affected 34 people in 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that twelve of the victims were from New York, where the outbreak has caused particular concern. While most people recover from listeria infection after a few days, it can be serious for vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Annually, about 260 people die from listeria infections in the United States.
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled hundreds of pounds of deli meats produced between June and July, prompting Stop & Shop to close all of its deli counters temporarily. The recall and closures were aimed at preventing further illnesses and ensuring the safety of customers. Despite the severity of the outbreak, both Boar’s Head and Schnucks have not provided immediate comments on the situation, leaving consumers concerned about the handling of the situation and the safety of deli meat products moving forward. The lawsuit filed by the Fleming couple sheds light on the impact of the outbreak on individuals and families affected by tainted meat products.
The lawsuit filed by Patrick and Sue Fleming is the first legal action related to the recent listeria outbreak, signaling a potential wave of litigation against Boar’s Head and Schnucks over the damages caused by the contaminated deli meats. The claim for upwards of $25,000 in damages reflects the physical, emotional, and financial toll that Sue’s illness has taken on the couple. With Sue still experiencing ongoing symptoms and complications from the infection, the lawsuit highlights the long-term effects of foodborne illnesses and the importance of holding companies accountable for product safety and consumer wellbeing.
As the investigation into the listeria outbreak continues and more details emerge about the scope of the contamination, consumers are urged to remain vigilant about food safety and proper handling of deli meats and other perishable products. The lawsuit filed by the Fleming couple serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of consuming contaminated food and the risks associated with foodborne illnesses. By seeking compensation for their damages, the Flemings bring attention to the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the food industry to prevent similar outbreaks in the future and protect public health.
