Boar’s Head Reaches Preliminary Settlement in Lawsuit Following Listeria Outbreak

Boar’s Head has agreed to pay $3.1 million to settle a class action lawsuit over its massive listeria outbreak that claimed 10 lives, but the settlement is still awaiting final approval in court.

Key Insights

The settlement covers Boar’s Head products purchased between May 10, 2024, and August 12, 2024, with consumers required to submit proof of purchase to receive compensation.
A deadly listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products resulted in 61 infections across 19 states, with 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths.
Despite agreeing to the $3.1 million settlement, Boar’s Head admits no wrongdoing in the case.
Judge Philip M. Halpern has granted preliminary approval to the settlement, with final approval scheduled for August 13, 2025.

Deadly Outbreak Leads to Multimillion-Dollar Settlement

Boar’s Head Provisions Company Inc. has reached a preliminary $3.1 million settlement in a nationwide class action lawsuit following a devastating listeria outbreak linked to its deli products. The settlement, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, aims to compensate consumers who purchased potentially contaminated Boar’s Head products before July 31, 2024. The lawsuit alleges the company failed to properly disclose potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in its product labeling and marketing, putting countless Americans at risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 61 cases of listeria across 19 states, resulting in 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. The outbreak, traced to Boar’s Head’s Virginia plant, prompted a massive recall of the company’s products in July 2024. The plaintiffs in the case accused Boar’s Head of deceptive practices and criticized how the company handled its recall process, which many consumers found confusing and insufficient given the severity of the contamination.

All payments could increase or decrease based on the total number of approved claims.

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Who Qualifies for Compensation

The settlement defines a “Settlement Class” that includes all US consumers who purchased the recalled Boar’s Head products for personal use. Judge Philip M. Halpern has already approved the preliminary settlement, deeming it “fair, reasonable and adequate, and in the best interests of the Settlement Class.” Consumers who purchased affected products between May 10, 2024, and August 12, 2024, may be eligible for compensation, but they must submit the required proof of purchase by the established deadline for the opportunity to receive the full price. Those without proof of purchase can also seek compensation and may receive the “average retail price for up to two” products in the recall. Payments may also be lower or higher depending on how many claims are ultimately approved.

The settlement includes a comprehensive notification plan for class members, allowing them to file claims, opt out of the settlement, or object to its terms. Angeion Group has been appointed as the Claim Administrator responsible for the notification and distribution process. Affected consumers should check the Settlement Website for detailed information on the settlement terms, claim procedures, and important deadlines to ensure they don’t miss out on potential compensation.

Final Approval Pending

While Boar’s Head has agreed to the substantial settlement, the company has not admitted any wrongdoing in the case. The terms of the agreement explicitly state that the settlement should not be construed as an admission of liability. A final approval hearing is scheduled for August 13, 2025, where Judge Halpern will make a final determination on the settlement’s fairness and adequacy after considering any objections from class members.

The lawsuit highlights the serious consequences of foodborne illness outbreaks and the responsibility food manufacturers have to ensure product safety. With ten deaths and dozens of hospitalizations, the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak ranks among the more severe food safety incidents in recent years. The $3.1 million settlement, while substantial, faces the challenge of adequately compensating the many consumers affected by one of the largest deli meat recalls in American history.