Health Violations at Virginia Plant Lead to Listeria Outbreak and Major Product Recall by Boar’s Head

The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has resulted in nine deaths and multiple hospitalizations across 18 states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, and others. The outbreak, one of the largest in the U.S. in over a decade, has led to a recall of 7 million pounds of various deli meat products. The recall began after a sample of Boar’s Head liverwurst tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in Maryland in July 2024, and it was subsequently expanded to include other products made at the same Virginia plant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers not to eat any recalled products and to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated meats. Symptoms of listeria infection can be severe, especially for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC has also warned that the actual number of cases may be higher than reported due to the time it takes for illnesses to be confirmed as part of the outbreak​ CDC  and WUSF and KNBA

The Boar’s Head facility in Jarrett, Virginia, has come under scrutiny after dozens of health and safety violations were reported, leading to severe criticism and a recall of all products made at the plant. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service detailed these violations in a 74-page report, highlighting instances such as meat debris on floors and unclean machinery with significant residue buildup, all contributing to an environment conducive to listeria contamination.

Boar’s Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show https://t.co/gqnge7ZBSq pic.twitter.com/BfmSaxJ6tT

— Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) August 30, 2024

A particularly alarming discovery was made in January 2024 when inspectors noted the presence of a “black mold-like substance” within the plant. The conditions were so grave that food safety attorney Bill Marler referred to the facility as a “listeria factory,” emphasizing the severity and potential criminal nature of the non-compliance with the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

The consequences of these violations became tragically apparent with the recall of products in late July 2024, following reports linking the consumption of these products to nine deaths and nearly 60 hospitalizations. In response, Boar’s Head issued a statement expressing deep regret and sympathy for the families affected by the outbreak of listeria, an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Boar’s Head Plant Linked to Deadly Outbreak Broke Food Safety Rules Dozens of Times, Records Show – https://t.co/fh6bidQO7O pic.twitter.com/Q8kUnpMXQa

— bioethics.com (@bioethicsdotcom) August 29, 2024

As a measure to address these serious issues, Boar’s Head has halted production at the Jarratt plant and is working closely with the USDA and food safety experts to investigate the causes of the contamination and to implement stringent safety measures to prevent future occurrences. They have stated that production will not resume until all standards for safety and quality are confidently met.

Boar’s Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show pic.twitter.com/eP3tEyXSAS

— the West coast wizard (@Axelvisaa) August 31, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the dangers of listeria, especially to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, noting the high risk of serious illness and potential for fetal and newborn fatalities. The CDC also points out that certain foods like deli meats and soft cheeses pose a higher risk for listeria contamination, underscoring the importance of stringent safety practices in food production.

Major Points:

• The Boar’s Head plant in Jarrett, Virginia, faced significant scrutiny after a report from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service outlined dozens of health and safety violations, including unsanitary conditions conducive to listeria growth.
• Food safety attorney Bill Marler labeled the facility a “listeria factory” due to the severe violations and suggested that the lack of compliance could constitute criminal offenses under federal regulations.
• Following the discovery of these conditions, Boar’s Head recalled all products produced at the Jarratt plant, which have been linked to nine deaths and nearly 60 hospitalizations due to listeria contamination.
• Boar’s Head has paused production at the plant and is conducting an extensive investigation with the USDA and food safety experts to address and rectify the issues, ensuring such incidents do not recur.
• The CDC warns that listeria is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, and highlights the risks associated with foods like sliced deli meats and soft cheeses.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News