A serious listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head meat products has resulted in 57 reported illnesses, 57 hospitalizations, and nine deaths, prompting a recall of over 7 million pounds of contaminated meat. Food safety attorney Bill Marler criticized the USDA for allowing the Virginia plant, where the outbreak originated, to remain operational despite numerous health violations, including conditions that he described as 'mind-bogglingly bad.' Marler has called for congressional hearings to investigate both the company and the USDA's inspection practices, stressing the need for accountability. Senator Richard Blumenthal has also demanded a federal probe into the USDA's lax inspection procedures, which he argues contributed to the outbreak. Legal actions have begun, with families of victims filing lawsuits against Boar's Head, seeking compensation for losses. Experts warn that the full impact of the outbreak may still unfold due to listeria's long incubation period.