The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified inadequate sanitation at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia as a major contributing factor in last summer’s multistate listeria outbreak. The outbreak resulted in 10 deaths and sickened 61 people, making it one of the most serious food safety incidents in recent years.
A report released by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed multiple violations of food safety protocols at the plant, including mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions. The outbreak led to a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meat and the closure of Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia facility.
Listeria is a bacteria that can be found in plants and soil and can withstand cold temperatures. It can cause listeriosis, an infection that is particularly harmful to pregnant women, people aged 65 or above, and those with weakened immune systems.
The inspection report found 69 instances of noncompliance at the plant, including product residue from previous production, condensation dripping on exposed products, and structural problems that could harbor bacteria. The plant remained operational despite these violations until its closure in September 2024.
In response to the outbreak, the FSIS plans to implement several changes, including prioritizing inspections at ready-to-eat meat facilities, expanding listeria testing protocols, and updating its risk evaluation system. Boar’s Head has also reached a settlement in principle for a class action lawsuit related to the outbreak.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/cause-boars-head-deadly-listeria-outbreak-revealed-2013697