Summary
Calls for a Justice Department investigation into Boar’s Head’s sanitation issues have intensified following a deadly listeria outbreak linked to the company’s deli meats. The outbreak has resulted in at least 10 deaths and nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states, prompting scrutiny of Boar’s Head’s Virginia plant, which faced numerous health violations.
In response to the outbreak, U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro, have called for a thorough investigation by the Justice Department to determine if criminal charges should be pursued against Boar’s Head. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has withheld inspection records related to the Jarratt facility, citing that releasing these documents could interfere with ongoing investigations. Reports from the plant have highlighted severe sanitation issues, including mold, insect infestations, and meat residue, raising concerns about the adequacy of federal oversight. The USDA is currently conducting its own internal review of the situation, while Boar’s Head has permanently ceased production of liverwurst, the product identified as the source of contamination.
Background of the Outbreak
The listeria outbreak began in May 2024, with the CDC linking the infections to Boar’s Head liverwurst. The company subsequently recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats, and inspections revealed alarming conditions at the Jarratt facility that posed an “imminent threat” to public health. These findings have led to a broader examination of food safety protocols and the effectiveness of inspections at Boar’s Head’s facilities across the country.
Legislative Concerns
Senator Blumenthal has criticized the USDA for its lack of action despite repeated warnings about the unsanitary conditions at the Jarratt plant. The call for a Justice Department investigation reflects growing concerns that federal and state inspectors may not have adequately addressed the serious violations documented over the past two years. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for food safety regulations and corporate accountability in the food industry are significant.
Deadly Listeria Outbreak at Boar's Head Plant Sparks USDA Inquiry
Oct. 15 / Newsweek / Insightful coverage of the USDA inquiry, it emphasizes the systemic failures in oversight. The article balances corporate accountability with public health concerns, making it a critical read amid the crisis. “ A deadly listeria outbreak at a Boar's Head deli meat plant has prompted an internal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) into its...
Boar’s Head facing legal scrutiny by feds over deadly listeria outbreak found in deli meat
Sep. 27 / New York Post / Boar's Head faces intense scrutiny from the USDA, which has withheld inspection records due to ongoing investigations. The piece effectively highlights the serious sanitation violations and legal ramifications. “ Boar’s Head, the deli meat company at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak , is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials, the US...
Boar's Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak
Sep. 28 / The Daily Progress / A thorough examination of the USDA's response, it underscores the repeated warnings about the plant's conditions. It captures the growing political pressure for accountability, adding depth to the ongoing investigation. “ Boar’s Head, the deli meat company at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak, is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials, the U.S....
10th person dead in Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head meats
Sep. 26 / Ars Technica / The article provides a concise update on the outbreak's toll, detailing the alarming conditions at the Jarratt plant. It effectively contextualizes the severity of the outbreak within historical food safety issues. “ Enlarge / Shelves sit empty where Boar's Head meats are usually displayed at a Safeway store on July 31, 2024, in San Anselmo, California. Getty | reader...