An elderly couple from Missouri has taken legal action against Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets, citing severe health impacts and marital distress following a listeria infection allegedly linked to purchased liverwurst.
An elderly couple has filed a lawsuit citing severe listeria infection from liverwurst, alleging damage to their health and marital relationship, the New York Post reported.
The lawsuit was initiated by Patrick and Sue Fleming, who reside in Missouri. This legal action, lodged in St. Louis circuit court, centers around their distressing experience after consuming liverwurst bought from Schnucks Market, a retailer selling Boar’s Head products.
On June 25, 2024, Sue Fleming consumed liverwurst which later led to severe health issues. She experienced intense symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and debilitating whole-body aches. These symptoms necessitated immediate medical attention.
Sue Fleming was subsequently admitted to a hospital for intensive treatment, where she remained for nine days. Her condition required further rehabilitation, extending her medical care for another 11 days in a specialized center.
Despite receiving extensive medical treatment, Sue Fleming's health troubles have persisted. She continues to experience a range of neurological symptoms, highlighting the long-term impact of the listeria infection. These symptoms are coupled with ongoing fatigue and general weakness, impacting her daily life significantly.
The liverwurst, identified as the source of the infection, was part of a larger recall by Boar’s Head. This recall, announced on July 25, 2024, encompassed over 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats potentially contaminated with listeria.
Manufactured between June 11 and July 17, 2024, these products have been linked to a widespread outbreak affecting several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has connected these meats to 34 listeria cases across 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two unfortunate fatalities.
The lawsuit details the profound personal losses suffered by Patrick Fleming due to his wife’s illness. He claims to have lost several aspects of his relationship, including affection, comfort, and mutual support, which were integral to their marital life before the infection.
The complaint filed by the Flemings elaborates on Sue Fleming's severe physical and emotional distress during her hospital stay and the extensive effort required in her attempt to regain her previous health baseline.
The distressing nature of Sue Fleming's symptoms, along with her prolonged recovery process, underscores the severity of this particular case of listeria infection. A quoted passage from the lawsuit vividly describes the range of ongoing symptoms and challenges she faces, even after initial recovery.
The CDC estimates that around 1,600 cases of listeria occur annually in the U.S., with about 260 resulting in death. This infection particularly impacts vulnerable groups such as the elderly, newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The ongoing litigation by the Flemings against Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets brings attention not only to their personal ordeal but also to the broader risks associated with foodborne illnesses, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to food safety practices and quality assurance in food production and retail.
In light of this lawsuit and the recent recall, both Boar’s Head and Schnucks Markets are likely to face significant scrutiny regarding their product safety measures and handling practices, as they navigate the legal and public relations dimensions of this outbreak.
To recap, the severe listeria infection from liverwurst has deeply affected Sue Fleming's health and her marital relationship with Patrick Fleming, leading to long-term health issues and loss of consortium. The extensive recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats, linked to widespread listeria infections, highlights the critical need for vigilance in food safety practices. Adding to the weight of the situation are the nationwide statistics on listeria, emphasizing the potential severity of such outbreaks. As this lawsuit proceeds, it serves as a grim reminder of the personal and collective stakes involved in ensuring food safety.
