Boar’s Head Shuts Down Virginia Plant After Liverwurst Linked to 9 Deaths

Boar's Head, a popular deli meat company, has decided to shut down its plant in Jarratt, Virginia, for an indefinite time.

This action comes after a serious listeria outbreak linked to their liverwurst product made many people very sick. The plant has been closed since late July 2024, when the company first announced a recall of its products.

Boar's Head to Close Virginia Deli Meat Plant

The Jarratt plant had many problems over the past few years. Reports from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) mentioned issues like mold, insects, and dirty conditions. Inspectors found things like "blood in puddles on the floor" and a "rancid smell in the cooler."

The plant's equipment was rusty, the paint was peeling, and there were gaps in the walls. Despite being told to fix these problems, the issues continued, leading to a recent notice from the USDA saying the plant's cleanliness and safety controls were "inadequate."

The company's decision to close the plant comes after a listeria outbreak that has been very troubling. Boar's Head said the closure was necessary because of the serious nature of the outbreak and the problems at the plant. The shutdown affects about 500 workers and other employees, which the company said is a tough but necessary move.

The listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head products has been one of the worst in recent years. According to CNN, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak has caused at least nine deaths and made 57 people sick across 18 states. Listeria bacteria can cause severe illness, including fever, muscle aches, and even confusion or seizures in serious cases.

The CDC also warned that more people might be sick without realizing it because listeria can cause symptoms weeks after eating contaminated food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now looking at all Boar's Head plants across the country to see if similar problems exist elsewhere and to find ways to improve safety in the food industry.

Boar's Head Vows to Prevent Similar Incident in the Future

To prevent future problems, Boar's Head is taking several new steps. The company is creating a new job position called the "chief food safety and quality assurance officer." This person will be in charge of making sure the company's food safety practices are top-notch. They will work closely with Carlos Giraldo, the president of Boar's Head.

According to USA Today, the company is also setting up a "Boar's Head Food Safety Council" with experts in food safety. This council will help the company improve its safety standards and set new rules to prevent similar issues in the future. The council will include experienced food safety professionals like Dr. David Acheson and Mindy Brashears.