NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The family of Gunter Garshon Morgenstein, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, has filed a lawsuit after he died from a listeria infection linked to tainted deli meat purchased from a local grocery store. Morgenstein, who had escaped to the U.S. after surviving the Holocaust in Germany, passed away on July 18, 2024, following a 10-day battle with multiple infections and medical complications.
Morgenstein had reportedly purchased Boar’s Head Liverwurst and other Boar’s Head products on June 30, 2024, from a Harris Teeter grocery store in Newport News. In the days following, he began experiencing severe symptoms, including weakness, diarrhea, fatigue, and a fever. His condition worsened, and on July 8, he was taken to the hospital, where he continued to suffer from a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and decreased appetite.
A recall of certain Boar’s Head products, including ham, salami, bologna, liverwurst, and bacon, was announced on July 26, 2024, following an investigation that began shortly before Morgenstein’s death. The recall warned consumers against consuming specific packages of these products due to the potential risk of listeria contamination.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida where Boar’s Head is headquartered, alleges that the contaminated meat was the cause of Morgenstein’s death. His family seeks accountability for the loss of their loved one, who was described as an otherwise active man before the infection.
The legal action highlights concerns about food safety and the impact of foodborne illnesses, particularly on vulnerable populations. The investigation into the listeria contamination and its broader implications remains ongoing.
