Boar’s Head Brand, known for their deli meat products, recalled around seven million pounds of raw meat after a nationwide listeria outbreak. The tainted meats left 59 hospitalized and 10 people dead. The Jarratt Virginia plant has indefinitely closed in September due to reports of black mold and fat residue on facility walls and machinery. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched an internal investigation into the plant to prevent future contamination. Boar’s Head regrets and deeply apologizes for the listeria outbreak. The company should’ve taken better care to ensure a safer food supply.
Amongst a seven million-pound meat recall came another 200,000-pound recall of pre-packaged meat and poultry products in July. The meat in question was liverwurst. Since July, Boar’s Head has stopped all liverwurst production and will no longer sell it. The Jarratt Virginia plant has accumulated many violations, including reports of mold, mildew, insects and pools of blood throughout the facility. The company’s 119-year legacy has been tainted due to negligence in facility maintenance and production.
The company only discontinued its liverwurst products because of the listeria outbreak. Listeria is a parasitic infection that comes from contaminated food and, if consumed, it can cause infections in the brain, spinal cord or bloodstream. Within 24 hours of exposure, a person can show symptoms of fever, muscle aches and convulsions, which result in death or hospitalization. As of July 29, the recall list includes all ham, bologna, bacon, sausage, frankfurters and Old Country Boar’s Head meat products.
While Boar’s Head Provisions Co. stated that its liverwurst products were the only meat connected to the outbreak, a USDA noncompliance report issued on Feb. 3 noted seeing several pieces of meat residue on a contact surface in The Head Cheese Department. More than likely, meat wasn’t the only thing threatened by contamination. It is safe to say, amongst deli meats, one should explore alternative cheese options as well.
The parasitic bacteria is difficult to remove and can spread on surfaces, hands and cold cuts or deli meats. Boar’s Head’s laundry list of noncompliance has fostered an environment for outbreak. While meat was refrigerated in the Jarratt Virginia plant, refrigeration does not kill listeria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that soft cheeses that are high in moisture, such as Swiss Cheese, have an increased chance of being contaminated with the bacteria. Yet, Boar’s Head’s Baby Swiss Cheese continues to be sold online and in stores.
The USDA issued 69 noncompliance reports since August 2023. One can only wonder why action wasn’t taken sooner. Violations included rust, condensation on walls and doors and rusty knives used to cut meat. Although the USDA noted these violations, they also added that the product was not affected. The negligence of the USDA to further inspect the meat in Boar’s Head’s horrendous facility conditions leaves a partial space for blame open. Boar’s Head’s listeria outbreak has been linked to deaths across 19 states, including New York, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, New Mexico and South Carolina.
The company stated that they have appointed former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas as Chief Food Safety Advisor, effective immediately, where he will help to ensure leading food safety standards. The company shares a deep regret of its Jarratt plant closure and the impact this closure has had on the livelihoods of hard-working employees. To prevent future incidents, Boar’s Head plans to implement a safety council comprised of industry-leading food safety experts.