Outbreak Linked to Liverwurst, Plant Closed Since July
- 10th death reported in Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak
- At least 59 people sickened across 19 states
- Liverwurst identified as source of contamination
- Plant closed and production discontinued since July
- Multiple lawsuits filed against Boar’s Head
- Listeria infections can be fatal for vulnerable populations
A tenth person has died due to the listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat, with at least 59 people falling ill across 19 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported illnesses between late May and August. Liverwurst produced at the Jarratt, Virginia plant was identified as the source of contamination. Boar’s Head closed the facility in September and discontinued production after inspection reports revealed issues like mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions. The company faces multiple lawsuits related to the deaths and illnesses. Listeria infections can be fatal for vulnerable populations, with an estimated 1,600 cases annually and 260 deaths.
Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the listeria outbreak, its impact on people and the company’s response. It cites official sources such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Agriculture Department. The only potential issue is that it refers to ‘listeria food poisoning,’ which is more commonly known as listeriosis, but this does not significantly impact the overall factuality of the article.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific outbreak and its consequences, including the number of affected people, the actions taken by the company, and the nature of listeria infections. It also mentions the apology from Boar’s Head officials. However, it does not delve into long-term trends or possibilities, antifragility, accountability, scientific rigor, intellectual honesty, staying on topic, evidence, data, examples, or actionable insights.
Private Companies: Boar’s Head
Key People:
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Boar’s Head and related companies in the deli meat industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a listeria outbreak that led to the closure of a Boar’s Head plant, which has impacted their operations and potentially affected their reputation and financial standing. This could have implications for the company’s stock price and sales, as well as other companies in the deli meat industry.
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Health Crisis
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Severe
Extreme Rating Justification: The extreme event is a health crisis due to the listeria outbreak that led to multiple deaths and illnesses, causing the closure of a deli meat plant and resulting in lawsuits against Boar’s Head. The impact rating is severe because of the number of people affected and the long-term consequences for the company.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Food
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Large
Affected Instruments: Stocks
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