August 29th 2024.
The Boar's Head deli meat plant in Virginia has come under scrutiny after a deadly food poisoning outbreak that has been traced back to their products. According to recently released records, the plant has repeatedly violated federal regulations in the past year, with a total of 69 instances of noncompliance. These violations include issues such as mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment.
In response to these concerning findings, government inspectors have suspended inspections at the plant and it will remain closed until it can prove that it is capable of producing safe products. This decision was made after Boar's Head officials voluntarily halted production at the Jarratt, Virginia plant in late July. The plant has been linked to the deaths of nine people and the hospitalization of 50 others in 18 states, all of whom were sickened with listeria after consuming Boar's Head deli meats. As a result, the company has recalled over 7 million pounds of products.
The released documents, obtained through a federal Freedom of Information Act request, show that the plant has a history of noncompliance with federal regulations. Inspections conducted between August 2023 and August 2024 found issues such as "heavy discolored meat buildup," "meat overspray on walls," and "flies going in and out of pickle vats." In one instance, an inspector even noted a "rancid smell in the cooler." Despite multiple notifications from inspectors, the plant failed to meet requirements.
Garshon Morgenstein, whose 88-year-old father passed away from a listeria infection caused by Boar's Head liverwurst, expressed his disgust and shock at the plant's conditions. "I think it is disgusting and shameful," he said. "I'm just even more in shock that this was allowed to happen."
The plant was inspected by Virginia officials in partnership with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service, and Boar's Head took corrective actions when issues were found. However, federal reports show no enforcement actions against the company between January and March, the latest records available. It is worth noting that the released documents did not contain any test results confirming the presence of listeria in the factory.
In response to the findings, Boar's Head has stated that they prioritize food safety and have addressed all issues raised by government inspectors immediately. However, food safety experts such as Barbara Kowalcyk and Donald Schaffner have raised concerns about the plant's repeated issues with sanitation and condensation, which are known risk factors for listeria.
Listeria infections can be serious, with about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths each year in the U.S. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk. Bill Marler, a lawyer who has sued companies over food poisoning outbreaks, described the conditions described in the inspection reports as the worst he has seen in 30 years.
For Garshon Morgenstein, the impact of the plant's negligence goes beyond the physical harm caused to his father. "For the rest of my life, I have to remember my father's death every time I see or hear the name Boar's Head," he said. The Associated Press Health and Science Department, with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, is solely responsible for all content.
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