Deadly Listeria Outbreak at Boar’s Head Plant Triggers USDA Investigation
According to News Week, A deadly listeria outbreak linked to a Boar’s Head deli meat plant has prompted an internal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its management of reports concerning unsanitary conditions at the facility. This inquiry follows serious concerns raised by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who criticized the agency for its inadequate response to repeated warnings about health risks at the plant.
Overview of the Outbreak
The listeria outbreak, which began in May, has led to at least 10 deaths and nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Products from Boar’s Head, particularly liverwurst, were found to be contaminated with listeria, prompting significant public health concerns.
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed nationwide and has indefinitely closed its facility in Virginia.
Investigation Details
USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is leading the investigation to determine whether federal and Virginia state inspectors adequately addressed numerous reports of serious issues at the Jarratt, Virginia, plant. Inspection reports spanning the past two years have revealed alarming conditions, including mold, insect infestations, dripping water, and meat and fat residue on various surfaces. Officials noted that these issues posed an “imminent threat” to food safety.
A spokesperson for Boar’s Head stated in an email to Newsweek in September: “In response to the inspection records and noncompliance reports at the Jarratt plant, we will not make excuses.” The company has also assured that team members affected by the plant’s closure received “financial packages and benefits, as well as resources and assistance to help them find new opportunities.”
Impact on Liverwurst Production
Boar’s Head has announced that it will permanently discontinue its production of liverwurst, which has been identified as the source of the contamination. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the serious health risks associated with its products.
Senator Blumenthal’s Criticism
The investigation was prompted by a letter from Blumenthal, sent on September 5, demanding a thorough review of the USDA’s oversight of the plant. In his statement, he emphasized that the USDA took virtually no action, allowing Boar’s Head to continue operations at its chronically unsanitary Virginia plant despite repeated serious violations.
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Officials from Fong’s office have not yet confirmed the investigation. Blumenthal has refrained from disclosing the agency’s response but indicated that the internal inquiry will evaluate how recurring problems were managed and whether state inspections effectively minimized the risk of contaminated products entering the food supply.
Inspection Program Details
The Boar’s Head plant was inspected under a program permitting state inspectors to act on behalf of the federal agency, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in food safety practices.
Calls for Further Action
In addition to the USDA inquiry, Senator Blumenthal and Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have urged the Justice Department to consider whether criminal charges should be pursued against Boar’s Head for its role in the outbreak.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has faced criticism for its refusal to release documents related to the plant’s inspections and for withholding reports from eight other Boar’s Head facilities nationwide. The agency has denied Freedom of Information Act requests from the Associated Press, claiming that releasing such records could hinder potential law enforcement actions. The Associated Press is currently appealing this decision, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in food safety oversight.
