Boar's Head

The Boar's Head manufacturing plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has recently come under intense scrutiny following a serious listeria outbreak linked to its deli meats, resulting in a nationwide recall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors discovered a shocking array of health violations at the facility, which led to the recall and has since become a major public health concern.

Records released by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by CBS News, detail a disturbing pattern of noncompliance at the Boar's Head plant. Over the past year, inspectors noted 69 separate incidents of health violations. The most concerning issues included the presence of mold, mildew, and insects throughout the plant, suggesting a chronic failure to maintain sanitary conditions.

The recall of all deli meats from the Jarratt facility was initiated after a listeria outbreak was traced back to the plant. The outbreak has so far resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states, with at least nine deaths reported. Victims ranged from South Carolina to New York, marking this as the deadliest listeriosis outbreak since the infamus 2011 cantaloupe outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the severity of this incident, emphasizing the need for vigilance among consumers.

Investigations revealed that unopened samples of deli meats from Boar's Head were contaminated with *Listeria monocytogenes*, a bacterium responsible for the illness. Genetic sequencing confirmed that the strain found in these products matched the strain involved in the outbreak. Authorities are urging consumers to thoroughly check their refrigerators for any potentially contaminated products and to disinfect surfaces that may have come into contact with these meats.

Detailed reports from the USDA painted a grim picture of the conditions at the plant. Inspectors found mold and mildew in numerous areas, including around handwashing sinks and on walls near food processing equipment. There were instances of black mold-like substances in various parts of the facility, some of which were described as "as large as a quarter." This mold was not just cosmetic—it was located in critical areas where food preparation took place, potentially contributing to contamination.

Moreover, the plant had severe issues with water management. Leaks and pooling water were commonplace, with some areas showing green algal growth. In one instance, condensation was observed dripping over deli meats, raising serious concerns about contamination. Despite efforts by workers to mop up these leaks, the water often returned almost immediately, suggesting a more systemic problem with the facility's infrastructure.

The unsanitary conditions extended beyond mold and water issues. Insects were frequently reported throughout the plant. One report detailed the presence of small, gnat-like insects around vats of pickles, while another noted flies buzzing around rooms with heavy meat buildup on the walls. More alarming were sightings of ants, a beetle, and even a cockroach in areas where deli meats were being prepared and stored. In one severe case, over 980 pounds of ham had to be retained for investigation after being found in a smokehouse hallway infested with insects.

Additionally, there were reports of blood pooling on the floor of a cooler and a pervasive rancid smell, both of which were significant health hazards. The plant's failure to address these issues proactively suggests a neglect of basic food safety protocols, despite having USDA inspectors on-site daily.

In response to the outbreak and the findings, Boar's Head suspended operations at the Jarratt facility. The company has since expressed deep regret over the incident, emphasizing that food safety is their "absolute priority." They have initiated a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the plant and are retraining employees to prevent future issues. Boar's Head has also enlisted the help of leading global food safety experts to investigate the source of the contamination and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety before resuming production.

Despite these assurances, the company's history of repeated violations raises questions about the effectiveness of their response and whether sufficient changes will be made to prevent future outbreaks. The USDA has yet to announce any enforcement actions against Boar's Head, but the situation underscores the importance of rigorous oversight in the food production industry to protect public health.