An elderly couple from Missouri has filed the first lawsuit stemming from the recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats, which has affected nearly three dozen people and resulted in two deaths.
Patrick and Sue Fleming are seeking over £20,000 in damages from both Boar's Head and Schnucks Markets, the supermarket chain where they purchased the contaminated liverwurst. Their claim cites medical expenses, "loss of enjoyment of life" and "damage to the marital relationship," according to the complaint filed in St. Louis circuit court.
The suit alleges that after consuming Boar's Head liverwurst bought from a Schnucks store in Ballwin, Missouri, in June, Sue, 88, became "deathly ill." She experienced symptoms including nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and severe muscle weakness and shaking.
Sue received "intensive treatment" at a local hospital, where she remained in a critical condition for nine days. Following her discharge, she was transferred to a rehabilitation centre for a further eleven days to regain her pre-infection health.
The complaint states that Sue continues to suffer from the effects of the infection, including neurological symptoms, fatigue, and general weakness.
The Flemings are suing both Boar's Head and Schnucks on grounds of manufacturing defect and negligence, among other claims.
Last Friday, Boar's Head issued a recall for 207,528 pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats produced between June 11th and July 17th. This recall led Stop & Shop, a major supermarket chain, to temporarily close all of its deli counters.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 34 confirmed cases of listeria infection across 13 US states, with 33 hospitalisations and two fatalities. Twelve of the victims were located in New York.
While most people recover from listeria infection within three days and rarely experience severe complications, the CDC estimates that approximately 260 out of the 1,600 annual cases result in death.
Individuals at heightened risk of serious infection include pregnant women (who may experience miscarriages), newborns, people aged 65 and over, and those with weakened immune systems.
Boar's Head and Schnucks have not yet responded to requests for comment.