Boar’s Head Closes Facility in Virginia Following Health Scare and Large Recall

Boar’s Head Closes Facility in Virginia Following Health Scare and Large Recall

Boar’s Head faces a significant challenge as it permanently shuts down its Jarratt, Virginia facility amid a deadly listeria outbreak.

At a Glance

  • Boar’s Head liverwurst has been permanently discontinued.
  • The listeria outbreak has caused 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths across 18 states.
  • The CDC issued a recall for 207,528 pounds of liverwurst on July 26, expanded to 7.2 million pounds.
  • The contamination was traced to a specific production process at the Jarratt facility.

Boar’s Head Takes Drastic Action Amid Listeria Outbreak

Boar’s Head, a leading name in deli meats, has announced the permanent closure of its Jarratt, Virginia facility. This decision follows a listeria outbreak that has caused multiple illnesses and fatalities. The closure is part of the company’s response to the outbreak, which has led to a massive recall of over seven million pounds of various meat and poultry products. Health agencies such as the USDA and CDC have confirmed 57 cases across 18 states, with nine deaths reported.

Research by the CDC identified the contamination source as a specific production process used exclusively for liverwurst at the Jarratt site. Following this discovery, Boar’s Head decided to permanently discontinue its liverwurst product. The CDC had been informed of the outbreak on July 19 and subsequently issued a recall for over 207,000 pounds of liverwurst on July 26. By July 30, Boar’s Head expanded the recall to include 7.2 million pounds of products from the same facility.

Facility-Linked Issues and Compliance Failures

The Jarratt plant has a history of compliance issues, suffering from mold, mildew, insects, and water leaks since at least 2021. Due to these unsanitary conditions, the USDA issued a suspension notice to the facility in July for failing to maintain proper sanitary conditions. Boar’s Head confirmed the contamination was linked to a specific liverwurst production process. This crisis has impacted about 500 union workers and additional management employees at the Jarratt facility.

“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 statement said.

The company responded by implementing advanced food safety measures and initiating various quality assurance programs. Boar’s Head announced the establishment of a Food Safety Council and aims to enhance its companywide food safety and QA program. Furthermore, they have appointed a new Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer to oversee these initiatives and ensure high standards for their products.

Impact on Workers and Future Plans

Boar’s Head expressed deep regret over the impact this closure has on its employees. “It pains us to impact the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees. We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the area’s largest employers,” Boar’s Head said in a statement. “But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course. We will work to assist each of our employees in the transition process.”

The occurrence of listeriosis, resulting from listeria contamination, poses a serious health risk, especially to high-risk groups such as pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. This outbreak has prompted the CDC to recommend heating deli-sliced meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk. Additionally, Boar’s Head is working with the USDA, state regulatory agencies, and food safety experts to address the existing issues and prevent future occurrences.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR