Deadly Listeria Concerns: USDA Investigates Boar’s Head Plant After Outbreak
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 about unsanitary conditions at the facility. This inquiry comes in response to concerns raised by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who criticized the USDA’s handling of warnings about health risks associated with the plant.
Outbreak Details and Health Impacts
The listeria outbreak began in May and has led to at least 10 fatalities and nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigations revealed that Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst, were found to be contaminated with listeria.
In light of the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat that had been distributed nationwide and announced the indefinite closure of its Virginia plant.
Investigation into USDA Oversight
USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is leading the investigation to determine whether federal and Virginia state inspectors appropriately responded to numerous reports of serious issues at the Jarratt, Virginia, facility. Inspection reports dating back two years highlighted alarming conditions, including mold, insect infestations, leaking water, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment. These findings indicated an “imminent threat” to food safety, according to officials.
A Boar’s Head spokesperson stated in September, “In response to the inspection records and noncompliance reports at the Jarratt plant, we will not make excuses.”
Employee Support and Product Discontinuation
The company announced that eligible team members affected by the plant’s closure would receive financial packages and benefits, as well as resources and assistance to help them seek new employment opportunities. Furthermore, Boar’s Head revealed it would permanently cease production of liverwurst, identified as the source of the contamination.
Political Response and Accountability
The investigation was initiated after Senator Blumenthal sent a letter on September 5 demanding a thorough review of the USDA’s oversight of the plant. He stated, “USDA took virtually no action—allowing Boar’s Head to continue business as usual at its chronically unsanitary Virginia plant—despite finding repeated serious violations.”
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Officials from Fong’s office did not immediately confirm the investigation’s status. Blumenthal has withheld the USDA’s response and emphasized that the internal investigation would assess how recurrent issues were handled and whether state inspections effectively reduced the risk of tainted products entering the food supply.
The Boar’s Head facility was inspected under a program allowing state inspectors to act on behalf of the federal agency.
Calls for Criminal Investigation
In addition to the USDA inquiry, Senator Blumenthal and Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have urged the Justice Department to investigate the possibility of criminal charges against Boar’s Head.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has faced criticism for refusing to release documents related to inspections at the plant and eight other Boar’s Head facilities nationwide. The agency denied Freedom of Information Act requests from the Associated Press, citing concerns that releasing the records could interfere with potential law enforcement actions. The Associated Press is currently appealing this decision.
