Could Liverwurst Take Down Boar's Head?
Briefly

Founded in Brooklyn in 1905, Boar's Head has established itself as the industry standard in processed deli meats, often praised for being both gross and delicious. However, the recent recall involving 207,000 pounds due to potential listeria contamination has raised serious concerns about food safety and prompted widespread scrutiny, as the food-safety landscape becomes increasingly demanding. This recall is not just a minor blip; it has become a significant event in the industry, impacting consumer trust and sales significantly.
By late August, the impact of the outbreak was grim: nine fatalities and 57 hospitalizations had been recorded, marking what is considered the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011. Food-safety lawyers are preparing class-action lawsuits against Boar's Head, highlighting a shift in public concern that now necessitates absolute transparency regarding meat production practices. As consumers question what is truly in their sausages and processed meats, Boar's Head faces a daunting task of restoring confidence and reputation.
The fallout from the recall has been felt in local businesses. Paul DiSpirito of Lioni Italian Heroes reported significant declines in sales. A long-time customer, who has eaten cold cuts daily for six decades, stated he hasn’t consumed any in over a month due to the scare. DiSpirito noted, "I’m sitting here answering phone calls from all these customers asking about this vendor. It’s bad," illustrating the direct impact of the outbreak on customer behavior and trust in the Boar's Head brand.
Read at Intelligencer
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