Boar's Head Plant Plagued by Contamination: Mold, Insects, and Listeria Outbreak Linked to Nationwide Recall

 

Newly released records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveal significant issues at a Boar's Head plant in Virginia, which is currently under scrutiny following a nationwide recall of deli meats. Inspectors reported finding mold, mildew, and insects repeatedly throughout the facility.

Last month, Boar's Head initiated a recall of all deli meats produced at its Jarratt, Virginia plant due to a listeria outbreak, which has now resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states. Tragically, nine deaths have been linked to the contaminated products, with fatalities reported in states including South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and New York.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described the situation as the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 cantaloupe-related incident. Unopened products from the Boar's Head plant were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, and genetic testing confirmed that the strain matched the one responsible for the outbreak.

Health officials are advising consumers to thoroughly check their refrigerators for any recalled meats and to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products. The South Carolina Department of Health emphasized that some people may have already consumed the recalled products without knowing about the recall, potentially leading to prolonged illness.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified 69 instances of "noncompliance" at the Jarratt plant over the past year. However, it remains unclear whether Boar's Head will face penalties for these repeated violations. The USDA has not yet taken any enforcement actions against the company.

Boar's Head has expressed regret over the impact of the recall, stating that food safety is their top priority. The company has suspended all operations at the Jarratt plant and is undertaking a thorough disinfection process while also retraining its employees. Boar's Head has pledged not to release any products from the plant until they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Inspectors found numerous issues at the plant, including mold and mildew around handwashing sinks and on equipment used to prepare ready-to-eat meats. Mold was also discovered near steel vats and in coolers between smokehouses. In January, inspectors noted "black mold-like substances" on walls and around caulking, with some spots as large as a quarter.

Additionally, inspectors reported problems with leaking and pooling water, including a puddle with "green algal growth" and condensation dripping onto uncovered deli meats. Attempts by workers to address these leaks were unsuccessful.

The USDA also documented leaks of other substances, such as "ample amounts of blood" on the floor and a "rancid smell" in a cooler. Insects were frequently observed in and around the plant, including flies near vats of pickles and small gnats and ants on walls and equipment. One incident involved nearly 1,000 pounds of ham being held for investigation due to insect contamination.

Boar's Head is working with global food safety experts to investigate the root causes of these issues and to prevent future occurrences.