Boar's Head Plant Faced Issues Before Listeria Outbreak
An investigation by the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed concerning conditions at a Boar's Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, nearly two years before a deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled deli meat.
Inspection reports dating back to 2022 documented "major deficiencies" with the plant's physical conditions, including rusty equipment, peeling paint, loose caulk, holes in walls, product residue on surfaces, and dripping condensation. Additionally, inspectors noted the presence of insects, mold, and "blood in puddles on the floor" at various points.
Boar's Head has not responded to CNN's request for comment. However, the company previously stated that inspectors are present at the Virginia plant daily and that any issues identified are addressed immediately.
Following the listeria outbreak, operations at the Virginia plant were paused. The company has taken steps to disinfect the facility, enhance policies and procedures, and train employees. Additionally, they are collaborating with food safety experts to investigate the events leading to the recall, which was announced in July.
The FSIS investigation into the outbreak is ongoing and includes a comprehensive review of Boar's Head facilities nationwide. The agency will examine factors contributing to the outbreak at the Virginia facility, identify areas for improvement, and determine if broader lessons can be applied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities.
The Virginia Boar's Head facility is inspected by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program, which allows some states to provide federal inspection services.
"Inspectors found instances of noncompliance, and the establishment implemented corrective actions in keeping with FSIS regulations," FSIS stated in a previous statement. "FSIS is working closely with VDACS to ensure the establishment has an effective system in place to produce safe food for the public."
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 57 people have been hospitalized in 18 states due to the listeria outbreak, and nine have died. This outbreak is the largest listeria outbreak since one linked to cantaloupe in 2011.
The CDC believes the actual number of illnesses is likely higher than reported, as some individuals may have experienced milder symptoms and not been tested for listeria. The agency continues to advise consumers to check their kitchens for recalled products, which have "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels and have sell-by dates into October 2024.