Boar’s Head, a renowned deli meat producer, takes drastic action following a deadly listeria outbreak linked to its Virginia plant, permanently discontinuing liverwurst production and closing the facility.
At a Glance
- Boar’s Head closes Jarratt, Virginia plant after listeria outbreak causes 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths across 18 states
- Company permanently discontinues liverwurst production, recalls over 7.2 million pounds of meat products
- Contamination linked to specific production process only used for liverwurst at Jarratt facility
- Closure affects about 500 union workers and additional management employees
- Boar’s Head implements enhanced food safety measures and establishes new Food Safety Council
Deadly Outbreak Prompts Massive Recall and Plant Closure
Boar’s Head, a trusted name in deli meats, has been forced to take unprecedented action following a lethal listeria outbreak originating from its Jarratt, Virginia plant. The company has permanently discontinued its liverwurst production and indefinitely closed the facility where the contamination occurred. This decision comes after 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths were reported across 18 states, making it the largest listeria outbreak since 2011.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was alerted to the outbreak on July 19, leading to an initial recall of 207,528 pounds of liverwurst on July 26. As the severity of the situation became apparent, Boar’s Head expanded the recall on July 30 to include a staggering 7.2 million pounds of products from the same facility. The recall affected over 71 meat products, including various hams, franks, bacon, and liverwurst paté, produced between May 10 and July 29.
Root Cause and Company Response
Boar’s Head’s internal investigation revealed that the contamination was linked to a specific production process unique to the Jarratt facility and used only for liverwurst. In light of this discovery, the company made the difficult decision to permanently discontinue liverwurst production.
“We regret and deeply apologize for the recent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in our liverwurst product. We understand the gravity of this situation and the profound impact it has had on affected families,” the company said in a statement.
The closure of the Jarratt plant will impact approximately 500 union workers and additional management employees. Boar’s Head has committed to assisting affected employees through the transition process, acknowledging its role as one of the area’s largest employers.
History of Compliance Issues
The Jarratt facility had a troubling history of compliance issues, with 69 instances of “noncompliance” reported over the past year. These included problems with mold, mildew, insects, water leaks, and other unsanitary conditions dating back to at least 2021. In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a suspension notice to the facility for failing to maintain sanitary conditions.
“This is a dark moment in our company’s history, but we intend to use this as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs not just for our company, but for the entire industry,” the company stated.
As part of its efforts to regain consumer trust, Boar’s Head has announced several initiatives to improve food safety. These include appointing a new Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer, establishing a Boar’s Head Food Safety Council, and creating an enhanced companywide food safety and quality assurance program. The company is also working closely with the USDA, state regulatory agencies, and food safety experts to address the issues that led to this outbreak.
Listeria: A Persistent Threat
Listeria bacteria pose a significant challenge in food production due to their ability to survive and thrive during refrigeration. Infections can manifest symptoms up to 10 weeks after consumption, making outbreaks particularly difficult to trace and contain. Listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria, can be severe, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
To reduce the risk of listeriosis, the CDC recommends heating deli-sliced meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). It’s also crucial to clean and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated products, including refrigerators, to prevent further contamination.
As Boar’s Head works to address this crisis and implement stricter safety measures, consumers are advised to remain vigilant about food safety and to follow CDC guidelines for handling and consuming deli meats. The company’s response to this outbreak will likely have far-reaching implications for food safety practices across the industry.
