The recent lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court on October 15, 2024, by Michael and Barbara Silberman against Boar’s Head Provision Co., Inc. and Publix Supermarkets, Inc. raises serious concerns about food safety standards. The Silbermans allege that Michael Silberman contracted a severe Listeria infection after consuming contaminated Boar’s Head turkey purchased from a Publix supermarket.

According to the complaint, the incident began when Michael Silberman bought Boar’s Head turkey from a Publix store in Delray Beach, Florida, on July 15, 2024. Shortly after consuming the turkey, Mr. Silberman fell gravely ill with symptoms consistent with Listeria infection, including high fever and altered mental status. He was subsequently diagnosed with Listeria-induced meningitis and encephalitis at Delray Medical Center. The plaintiffs argue that the contamination was part of a larger outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, which had already resulted in multiple hospitalizations and deaths across several states.

The plaintiffs accuse both defendants of negligence and strict liability for failing to ensure their products were safe for consumption. They assert that Boar’s Head failed to adequately test its meat products before distribution and neglected to warn consumers about potential contamination risks. Similarly, they claim Publix breached its duty of care by selling contaminated products without proper warnings or safeguards against cross-contamination.