In a recent legal settlement, Boar’s Head, the popular deli meat and cheese brand, has agreed to pay compensation to consumers affected by a voluntary recall of its meat products. The recall, which was announced in July 2024, followed concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The Recall and Legal Action
The voluntary recall was issued on July 25 and July 29, 2024, for specific Boar’s Head meat products that had been sold nationwide between May 10 and August 12, 2024. The recall was initiated after concerns arose that certain products might be contaminated with listeria. While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, listeria infections can be deadly for high-risk populations.
After the recall, consumers took legal action, accusing Boar’s Head of negligence for selling potentially contaminated products. The plaintiffs in the case claimed they suffered financial harm from purchasing the recalled meat products that should never have been available for sale. Boar’s Head, however, denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle the lawsuit for millions of dollars to resolve the claims.
Settlement Terms and Compensation
Under the terms of the settlement, consumers who purchased the affected Boar’s Head meat products can claim compensation. Those who have a receipt or invoice showing proof of purchase can receive a full refund for each recalled item. For consumers who do not have proof of purchase, they can still receive compensation, which will be equal to the average retail price for up to two of the recalled products.
It is important to note that if a consumer has already been reimbursed directly by Boar’s Head for the recalled products, their settlement payment will be reduced by the amount of that previous reimbursement. Additionally, to qualify for the settlement, consumers must have purchased the recalled products for personal use, not resale, during the eligible time frame.
Important Deadlines and Requirements
The deadline to submit a claim for compensation is May 16, 2025. This is also the final date for consumers who wish to opt out of or object to the settlement. A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 13, 2025.
Consumers are reminded that submitting fraudulent claims is illegal and can harm other eligible participants. Those uncertain about whether they qualify for compensation are encouraged to review the FAQ section on the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
It is essential to note that the settlement only covers the affected Boar’s Head meat products and does not apply to cheeses or other products that were not involved in the recall.
Steps for Consumers
Consumers interested in filing a claim should start gathering necessary documentation now. For those who do not qualify for the current settlement, there may be other open class-action settlements to explore. However, it’s important to remember that Top Class Actions, which provides information about such cases, is not the settlement administrator and cannot determine eligibility for this or other settlements.
Looking Ahead
This settlement brings some closure to the legal disputes surrounding the Boar’s Head recall and highlights the importance of consumer rights in the food industry. As the deadline for submitting claims approaches, affected consumers should act quickly to ensure they can benefit from the compensation offered in the settlement.
