The CDC estimates that Listeria infection is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness across the United States. Each year in the U.S., at least 1,600 will be infected with Listeria, while 260 will die from the illness. It is known as a foodborne disease outbreak when two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. Foodborne illnesses can trigger personal injury and wrongful death claims when people are harmed by the illnesses.
These outbreaks are investigated by public health officials so they can be controlled, preventing more people from getting sick and learning from each outbreak so that similar outbreaks can be prevented. The most recent Listeria outbreak was tied to Boar’s Head brand liverwurst. Products sold at a deli, particularly those sliced and prepared at a deli, are often among the foods contaminated with Listeria.